Green Methanol Market by Feedstock (Biomethanol, E-Methanol, Low Carbon (Blue Methanol)), Derivative (Formaldehyde, Dimethyl Ether & MTBE, Gasoline, MTO, Solvents), Application (Chemical, Fuel, Power Generation), and Region - Global Forecasts to 2030
Green Methanol Market
The global green methanol market is valued at USD 1.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 11.1 billion by 2030, growing at 33.8% cagr from 2024 to 2029. The green methanol market is driven by stringent environmental regulations, the push for sustainability goals, and the integration of renewable energy sources. Advances in production technologies and increasing demand for clean fuels in transportation and industrial applications further boost its adoption.Growing consumer awareness and preferences for eco-friendly products also play a significant role. Green methanol is applied across multiple industries, being used as a chemical feedstock and as fuel in the automotive and chemical industries.
Attractive Opportunities in the Green Methanol Market
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Green Methanol Market Dynamics:
Driver: Increasing demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources and expanding demand for Green Methanol in Automotive and Construction Market
The increasing demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources is a major driver for the green methanol market, as industries seek to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with environmental regulations. Additionally, the automotive and construction sectors are expanding their use of green methanol due to its cleaner-burning properties and potential to reduce emissions. This dual demand from energy sustainability efforts and specific market applications significantly boosts the growth of green methanol.
Restraints: Competing fuel options – Ethanol, Hydrogen, Biofuels
The green methanol market is challenged by competition from other fuels like ethanol, hydrogen, and biofuels. These alternatives already have established supply chains and technology, making them easier and sometimes cheaper to use. This competition can make it harder for green methanol to attract investment and gain market share. Additionally, switching to green methanol might require significant changes in current systems, which can be a barrier for many users.
Opportunity:Use of green methanol as an alternative fuel in marine and manufacturing industries
Green methanol presents significant opportunities as an alternative fuel in the marine and manufacturing industries. In the marine sector, its lower emissions make it an attractive option for meeting strict environmental regulations and reducing the carbon footprint of shipping. In manufacturing, green methanol can serve as a sustainable feedstock, supporting the industry's shift towards greener production processes. These applications highlight green methanol's potential to drive sustainability and innovation in key industrial sectors.
Challenge: Infrastructure, scale and efficiency limitations for production of Green Methanol
Green methanol faces challenges related to infrastructure, scale, and efficiency in its production. Existing infrastructure is often inadequate for large-scale green methanol production and distribution, necessitating significant investment. Additionally, scaling up production to meet demand while maintaining cost-effectiveness and high efficiency remains a technical hurdle. Overcoming these limitations is essential for green methanol to become a viable alternative fuel on a broad scale.
Green Methanol Market: Ecosystem
Leading firms in this sector are established manufacturers of green methanol with a robust financial standing. They have a long track record in the industry, offering a wide range of products and extensive global sales and marketing channels. Prominent companies in this market Carbon Recycling International Inc. (Iceland), ABEL Energy Pty Ltd. (Australia), SunGas Renewables (US), Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) (Malaysia), OCI N.V. (Netherlands).
"Based on feedstock, biomass accounted for the largest market share of the overall market."
Biomass-based green methanol accounts for the largest market share due to its abundant availability and renewable nature. Biomass, derived from agricultural residues, forestry waste, and other organic materials, provides a sustainable and versatile feedstock for methanol production. Its use helps reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with environmental goals. Additionally, advancements in biomass conversion technologies have made the production process more efficient and cost-effective. These factors collectively make biomass an appealing and leading feedstock in the green methanol market.
"By application fuel segment is estimated to account for the highest CAGR during the forecast period."
"The green methanol fuel segment is experiencing the highest CAGR due to technological advancements, favorable government policies, and growing environmental awareness. The marine industry, especially after the IMO's 2020 sulfur emission regulations, has seen significant adoption, with Maersk ordering 12 green methanol-powered ships set for 2024. In transportation, China’s Geely Auto Group launched the first methanol-powered passenger vehicle in 2022, aligning with China’s carbon reduction goals. The aviation sector is also embracing green methanol, with Prometheus Fuels and Carbon Clean Solutions developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technologies to meet the IATA's 2050 net-zero carbon emissions target. Government policies such as the European Union’s Fit for 55 package and the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provide substantial support, while technological advancements like Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) and advanced electrolyzers, exemplified by Carbon Recycling International in Iceland and Nel Hydrogen in Norway, are pivotal. Regionally, Europe leads with its Green Deal aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, China drives growth in the Asia-Pacific with its dual carbon goals, and Canada invests heavily in green methanol through Methanex Corporation. Collaborations such as Methanex’s 2023 partnership with Enerkem Inc. to produce bio-methanol from waste underscore the sector's dynamic growth. As sustainability becomes a global priority, the adoption of green methanol is accelerating, driving substantial market expansion.
"North America is estimated to account for the highest CAGR during the forecast period."
"The North America region is expected to have the highest CAGR growth in the green methanol market during the forecast period. The North American green methanol market is experiencing growth due to several key factors. Firstly, stringent environmental regulations and policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions are driving the demand for sustainable alternatives like green methanol. Secondly, significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure and advanced technologies support the production of green methanol. Thirdly, the presence of major industry players and ongoing research and development initiatives enhance market expansion. Additionally, government incentives and subsidies for green energy projects further encourage growth.The increasing awareness and commitment to sustainability across various sectors also contribute to the rising demand for green methanol in North America.
Source: Secondary Research, Expert Interviews, and MarketsandMarkets Analysis
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Green Methanol Market Players
Major companies in the green methanol market OCI (Netherlands), Carbon Recycling International Inc. (Iceland), Methanex Corporation (Canada), Proman (Switzerland) and Södra (Sweden).and others. A total of more than 17 players have been covered. These players have adopted product launches, agreements, joint ventures, investments, acquisitions, mergers, and expansions as the major strategies to consolidate their position in the market.
Green Methanol Market Report Scope
Report Metric |
Details |
Market Size Available for Years |
2021–2022 |
Base Year Considered |
2023 |
Forecast Period |
2024–2030 |
Forecast Units |
Value (USD Million/Billion) and Volume (Kilotons) |
Segments Covered |
Green Methanol by region, feedstock, applications and derivatives. |
Geographies Covered |
Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, North America, and Middle East & Africa |
Companies Covered |
The major market players include OCI (Netherlands), Carbon Recycling International Inc. (Iceland), Methanex Corporation (Canada), Proman (Switzerland) and Södra (Sweden) and others. |
This research report categorizes the green methanol market based on green methanol feedstock, derivatives, Application, and Region.
Based on Feedstock , the Green Methanol Market has been segmented as follows:
- Biomass
- Green Hydrogen
- Carbon Capture & Storage
Based on Derivatives, the Green Methanol Market has been segmented as follows:
- Gasoline
- Methanol-To-Olefins (MTO) & Methanol-To-Propylene (MTP)
- Formaldehyde
- Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE)
- Acetic Acid
- Dimethyl Ether (DME)
- Methyl Methacrylate (MMA)
- Biodiesel
- Others
Based on Application, the Green Methanol Market has been segmented as follows:
- Fuel
- Chemical Feedstock
- Others
Based on Region, the Green Methanol Market has been segmented as follows:
- Asia Pacific
- Europe
- North America
- South America
- Middle East & Africa
Recent Development
- In May 2024, Carbon Recycling Interntional builds first-of-its-kind renewable energy plant for eco-friendly hydrogen-methanol production using ETL technology with Jiangsu Dafu supplying smart power and Guangdong Hydro Power leveraging their clean energy experience.
- In May 2024, SunGas Renewables Inc patnered with C2X LLC to accelerate green methanol production in North America through technology, investment, and facility development.
- In March 2024, ABEL Energy selects thyssenkrupp nucera, a global electrolysis leader, as their preferred supplier for 260MW electrolyzers in their Tasmanian green hydrogen project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is driving the green methanol market?
The global shift towards cleaner energy sources and the imperative to reduce carbon emissions are primary drivers in the green methanol market.
Which region is projected to show the highest CAGR in the green methanol market during the forecast period?
North America is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
What is the primary source of green methanol?
Biomass is a major source of green methanol due to its abundant and renewable nature. Processes like gasification and pyrolysis can convert biomass into methanol, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The versatility and environmental benefits of biomass drive its role in green methanol production, supporting the shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Who are the major players in the green methanol market?
Key market players include OCI (Netherlands), Carbon Recycling International Inc. (Iceland), Methanex Corporation (Canada), Proman (Switzerland) and Södra (Sweden)
What is the expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the green methanol market in terms of value from 2024 to 2030?
The market is anticipated to achieve a CAGR of 33.8% from 2024 to 2030. .
What are the primary drivers behind the growing demand for green methanol in the United States?
The demand for green methanol in the United States is primarily driven by a combination of environmental, regulatory, and technological factors. The push toward reducing carbon emissions has led to increased interest in renewable energy sources, including green methanol, which can be produced from biomass, CO2, and renewable electricity. Regulatory policies, such as the U.S. government's renewable energy targets and the shift to net-zero emissions by 2050, have incentivized industries to adopt green alternatives. Furthermore, sectors like maritime shipping and chemicals are exploring green methanol as a viable, lower-emission fuel, which is catalyzing investments and innovations in its production and usage.
How is the UK government supporting the adoption of green methanol, and which sectors are most impacted?
The UK government is actively supporting green methanol adoption through policies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This includes subsidies, grants, and research funding for low-carbon and renewable fuels. One key area of focus is the shipping sector, as green methanol is increasingly seen as a sustainable marine fuel alternative that can help meet stricter emission regulations for international shipping. Additionally, the industrial sector, particularly in chemicals and fuel production, is being encouraged to incorporate green methanol as a means to reduce carbon footprints, with specific incentives for companies that innovate in green fuel technologies.
How does the UK's green methanol market compare to other European countries?
While the UK's green methanol market is on an upward trajectory with promising growth rates, it still faces stiff competition from Germany and other leading European markets. The UK's focus on sustainable marine fuels and innovative production methods will be crucial in establishing its position within the broader European context.
What is driving the growth of the green methanol market in the United States?
The green methanol market in the United States is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors:
- Mental Regulations
- Rising Demand for Clean Fuels
- Technological Advancements
- Government Initiatives
- Market Potential
These factors collectively underscore the United States' commitment to transitioning towards a more sustainable energy landscape, positioning green methanol as a critical component of this shift.
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The study involved four major activities in estimating the current size of the green methanol market—exhaustive secondary research collected information on the market, peer markets, and parent markets. The subsequent step involved confirming these findings, assumptions, and sizing with industry experts throughout the green methanol value chain through primary research. To estimate the overall market size, both top-down and bottom-up approaches were utilized. Following this, market segmentation and data triangulation were applied to determine the market size of various segments and subsegments.
Secondary Research
For this research, secondary sources include annual reports, press releases, and presentations from companies, as well as white papers, certified publications, articles by reputable authors, and information from trusted websites. These sources were used to gather crucial details about the industry's supply chain, key players, market categories, segmentation based on industry trends down to regional markets, and significant developments from a market-focused viewpoint.
Primary Research
The Green Methanol Market comprises several stakeholders, such as raw material suppliers, technology support providers, green methanol manufacturers, and regulatory organizations in the supply chain. Various primary sources from the supply and demand sides of the market were interviewed to obtain qualitative and quantitative information. We interviewed key people from both sides of the market—supply and demand—to gather detailed information. Supply-side primary sources included industry experts like CEOs, vice presidents, marketing and technology directors, and other key executives from companies in the green methanol market. On the demand side, we spoke with directors, marketing leaders, and procurement managers from various industries sourcing green methanol. Here’s a breakdown of the primary respondents:
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Market Size Estimation
We used two methods, top-down and bottom-up, to figure out and confirm the overall size of the Green Methanol Market. These methods were also used to estimate the sizes of different parts of the market. Here’s how we estimated the market size:
Global Green Methanol Market: Bottom-Up Approach
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Global Green Methanol Market: Top-Down Approach
The sections below outline how we calculated the total market size for this study:
- The main market participants were identified using secondary research methods.
- Market shares across different regions were determined using a combination of primary and secondary research methods.
- The value chain and market size of the green methanol market, in terms of value and volume, were determined through primary and secondary research.
- All percentages, distributions, and divisions were calculated using secondary sources and confirmed through primary sources.
- This research study comprehensively considered all relevant market parameters, examining them in detail, validating through primary research, and analyzing to derive the final quantitative and qualitative data.
- The research involved analyzing the annual and financial reports of leading market players and conducting interviews with industry experts, including CEOs, VPs, directors, sales managers, and marketing executives, to gather significant quantitative and qualitative insights.
Data Triangulation
Once the overall market size was determined using the methods described earlier, the market was divided into multiple segments and subsegments. To complete the market engineering process, data triangulation and market breakdown procedures were utilized to precisely calculate the statistics for each market segment and subsegment. Triangulation involved analyzing factors and trends from both the demand and supply sides of the chemical sector.
Market Definition
According to the Methanol Institute, Methanol (CH3OH) is a liquid chemical used in thousands of everyday products, including plastics, paints, cosmetics, and fuels Liquid methanol is produced from synthesis gas, which consists of a blend of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. These simple ingredients can be sourced from various feedstocks using different technological approaches.
Green or renewable methanol is an ultra-low-carbon chemical produced through sustainable processes. Green methanol can be categorized into two main types: bio-methanol and e-methanol, which are determined by the green feedstocks employed. Bio-methanol involves replacing traditional coal or natural gas feedstocks with biomass or biogas sources. At the same time, e-methanol is produced by combining green hydrogen with carbon dioxide from direct air carbon capture or biogenic sources.
Key Stakeholders
- Raw material manufacturers
- Technology support providers
- Manufacturers of green methanol
- Traders, distributors, and suppliers
- Regulatory Bodies and Government Agencies
- Research & Development (R&D) Institutions
- End-use Industries
- Consulting Firms, Trade Associations, and Industry Bodies
- Investment Banks and Private Equity Firms
Report Objectives
- To analyze and forecast the market size of green methanol Market in terms of value and volume
- To offer comprehensive insights into the primary factors (such as drivers, constraints, challenges, and opportunities) impacting the regional market
- To analyze and forecast the global green methanol market based on feedstock, derivatives, application, and region
- To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders and provide details of a competitive landscape for market leaders
- To forecast the size of various market segments based on three regions: Asia Pacific, Europe, South America, Middle East & Africa, and North America, along with their respective key countries
- To monitor and assess competitive advancements, including acquisitions, partnerships, collaborations, agreements, and expansions within the market
- To strategically outline the key players and thoroughly evaluate their market positions and primary capabilities
Available Customizations
With the given market data, MarketsandMarkets offers customizations according to client-specific needs.
The following customization options are available for the report:
- Additional country-level analysis of the green methanol Market
- Profiling of additional market players (up to 5)
Product Analysis
- Product matrix, which gives a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of each company.
Growth opportunities and latent adjacency in Green Methanol Market