The Kassø power-to-X facility in Aabenraa is the “world’s first” commercial-scale e-methanol facility, with an annual capacity of 42,000 tonnes. Last month, the Kassø plant produced its first molecules of hydrogen-derived e-methanol.

The certification was granted through the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) EU scheme. It confirmed that the methanol production meets renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) criteria.

In an online statement, European Energy claimed the certification is a first of its kind for methanol production. The process covered independent verification of renewable electricity sourcing, and the carbon origin used in production.

The ISCC’s certification also means that Kassø e-methanol is now eligible for use under the EU’s FuelEU Maritime and ReFuelEU Aviation guidelines.

“The ISCC EU RNFBO certification is an important step in validating the renewable integrity of our e-methanol and ensuring it can support climate action across Europe,” claimed Rene Alcaraz Frederiksen, CEO of Solar Park Kassø, the joint-venture company between European Energy and Mitsui & Co. which owns the power-to-x facility.

Despite its promise, e-methanol remains more expensive than fossil-based methanol production due to high renewable electricity costs and inefficiencies.

However, supportive policies, such as carbon pricing, lifecycle emissions and green shipping corridors, could be key to scaling hydrogen-based e-methanol.