Reactor developed for methanol production
One of the biggest challenges for the energy transition is the seasonal fluctuations in electricity production. If you want to have enough electricity in winter, renewable power plants supply an enormous surplus in summer, which cannot be stored in the form of electricity. Or can it - thanks to methanol? That's why a crowdfunding campaign has now been launched.
Renewable methanol is being traded as one of the most important energy sources for the future. The alcohol, which is toxic to humans, has excellent properties as a fuel for technology. Methanol can be stored for long periods and used to power ships, vehicles or aircraft, and can replace heating oil in the building sector. Homeowners in particular who cannot replace their oil heating with heat pumps are now urgently looking for alternatives, because the new CO2 law is forcing a phase-out of heating oil.
Prototype developed
The startup Methanology from Neuhausen am Rheinfall wants to contribute to the solution. The company has developed a prototype for the production of renewable methanol. The patented "willpower energy" technology converts water, CO2 and renewable electricity into renewable methanol. As a standalone system, it is designed to fit in most basements, where it could replace heating oil after minor modifications to the existing heating system, the startup writes. Because of its modular and scalable design, the "willpower energy" reactor could be used not only in single-family homes, but also to produce larger quantities, such as methanol for shipping. The first ships powered by methanol are already underway in the Baltic Sea.
Financing series production
According to the company Methanology, further development steps and corresponding capital are now needed to bring the technology to series maturity in the next three years. By calling on people to give themselves or their loved ones stock options on a clean energy future, the startup is courting a forward-looking public that wants to support the solution of urgent energy problems and climate protection.
Source: Methanology
