What is the METHANOLOGY Project?
METHANOLOGY is a young and independent Swiss cleantech and engineering company based in Schaffhausen. Founded by a group of passionate scientists and engineers, their mission is clear: to introduce a sustainable and efficient energy solution that helps reduce fossil energy dependency. How? By producing renewable methanol, dubbed the ENERGY-POWER-LIQUID OF THE FUTURE, suitable for all kinds of applications. Methanol might be known as a non-drinkable alcohol, but it’s also a powerhouse—a hydrogen-based liquid packing double the hydrogen energy in 1 litre compared to compressed pure hydrogen in a one-litre gas bottle!
Main Benefits of the willpower energy® Technology
The heart of METHANOLOGY’s innovation is the willpower energy® system, a revolutionary technology that’s changing the game. Here’s why it stands out:
- Allows anyone to produce their own clean energy liquid at home.
- Uses atmospheric CO2, water, and renewable electricity as raw materials.
- Employs a patent-protected electro-biocatalytic process to convert CO2 into renewable methanol.
- Produces methanol that’s easy to store and use for heating, electricity generation, or powering engines and turbines.
- Operates under moderate temperature and pressure conditions, making it safer and less complex.
- Eliminates the need for complex hydrogen or syngas production stages thanks to enzyme-driven catalysis.
- Targets an impressive power-to-liquid (PtL) efficiency of up to 80% through enzyme and system optimization.
The Journey Behind the Technology
The story began with the willpower energy® technology at a spin-off from the University of Rostock in Germany. This promising tech was then brought to Switzerland, where it’s being developed further alongside the local cleantech cluster. The first prototype, using non-improved enzymes on a combined electrode, achieved a 15% efficiency milestone—a big deal for a first try! Since 2020, METHANOLOGY has taken over all rights and patents, setting up an engineering lab in Neuhausen am Rheinfall to push this technology toward market readiness.
Why Methanol? The Energy Carrier of the Future
Methanol isn’t just any liquid; it’s already the world’s second most traded liquid after crude oil. Its industrial uses are vast, and it’s gaining traction as a fuel, especially in shipping. What makes methanol so special? It’s an ideal hydrogen carrier with three times the energy density of hydrogen stored at 700 bar. Plus, it can be stored and transported cost-effectively using existing infrastructure. In short, methanol is a practical, powerful, and versatile energy liquid ready to take center stage in the energy transition.
How Enzymes Revolutionize the Process
The magic lies in enzymes. These biological catalysts make the conversion process incredibly efficient and safe. Because enzymes are highly selective, they only perform the necessary reduction work, avoiding wasteful side reactions. This enzymatic process runs at low temperatures (below 45°C) and low pressures (below 10 bar), which not only enhances safety but also reduces complexity and cost. Plus, the process doesn’t require additional co-factors like NADH, using renewable electricity as the electron donor instead. Pretty neat, right?
Project Impact: Aligning with Global Goals
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – by producing renewable methanol as a clean energy liquid.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through pioneering electro-biocatalytic technology.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by enabling CO2-neutral fuel cycles.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and capturing atmospheric CO2.
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – supporting cleaner shipping fuels to reduce marine pollution.
Looking Ahead: From Pilot to Market
Back in 2018, a pilot plant at Lake Baldeney near Essen showcased the willpower energy™ solution in action. Using solar energy, water, and captured CO2, the system produced e-methanol with enzymes, which then powered a small excursion boat via a fuel cell. The demo was a clear success, proving the concept works in real life. Now, METHANOLOGY’s task is to take this proven concept and develop it into a market-ready product that ticks all the boxes—efficiency, safety, and scalable production. The future looks bright for renewable methanol as a cornerstone of clean energy living.
