DAC-2-eMethanol LiquidSolar™ - Paving the way for climate-neutral fuel
In the "DAC-2-eMethanol" project, the start-up Greenlyte is building a pioneering plant in the northern Ruhr region in which CO₂ extracted from the air is converted into eMethanol together with green hydrogen. At the Marl Chemical Park, which is operated by Evonik subsidiary SYNEQT GmbH, a key project for the sustainable transformation of the industry is being realized with support from the Just Transition Fund (JTF). DAC-2-eMethanol can serve as a reference for other projects in Europe: for more strategic energy independence and the achievement of EU climate targets.
Green technology at former coal site
Decarbonization means that industry in the northern Ruhr region is also in the midst of a transformation. However, sectors such as chemicals, aviation and shipping are still dependent on liquid energy sources. This is where Greenlyte comes in: With "Direct Air Capture" (DAC), the company has developed a highly efficient process for extracting CO₂ directly from the air in combination with renewable energies, producing green hydrogen and converting the two green molecules into liquid energy sources. Following the successful pilot phase, which was also supported by ERDF/JTF funds, Greenlyte is building a plant in Marl that will capture 1,400 tons of CO₂ from the ambient air every year. An additional 200 tons of green hydrogen will be produced as a by-product, from which up to 1,000 tons of green eMethanol will be produced.
Regional value creation and new jobs
The integration of the eMethanol production plant into the Marl Chemical Park will provide new impetus for the local chemical industry. It not only enables Greenlyte to utilize the local networks of research, suppliers and technical expertise. At the same time, potential customers for the eMethanol sold under the brand name LiquidSolar™ can be found directly at the site. The eMethanol produced on site is compatible as a fuel, meaning that jobs can be retained at the companies located in the chemical park and new, highly qualified jobs can be created when new companies move here. With the Marl production plant, Greenlyte is creating a blueprint for the transformation from fossil to renewable raw materials.
Sustainable transformation as a model for Europe
LiquidSolar™ methanol is a flagship project for the European energy transition, contributing to the climate neutrality and competitiveness of NRW as a business location. In addition, the project shows how innovative key technologies together with regional production can reduce dependence on fossil imports and establish a stable, green value chain. With this key technology, North Rhine-Westphalia is positioning itself as a model region for sustainable industrial transformation.
