Victorian government awards $500,000 to green methanol project

The Victorian government has announced $500,000 in funding for a feasibility study on Portland as a renewable methanol and hydrogen hub, to be conducted by Portland H2.

In a statement on Tuesday, the government said the study would examine the economics of converting plantation forestry residues to green methanol at the site. It would also cover preliminary engineering and planning for a plant including a 100-megawatt electrolyser for green hydrogen.

HAMR Energy – the parent company of Portland H2 – believes Portland is an ideal location for renewable methanol manufacture, with its location near the country’s largest plantation forestry production area and its deep-water port, which sees 300 vessels and approximately 5 million tonnes of forestry product loaded each year. 

“HAMR Energy is excited to support the Government’s efforts to position Victoria as a leader… in renewable energy production, and support [will] accelerate the decarbonising of the global shipping industry,” said HAMR Energy Director and Company Secretary David Stribley.

Methanol produces 90 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions when burned versus heavy fuel.

The feasibility study funding is from Victoria’s Portland Diversification Fund.

Picture: credit svitzer.com.au