U.S. developer OroCarbo has chosen Haffner Energy’s SYNOCA renewable syngas solution for a major biomass-to-biomethanol project in California. The initiative aims to convert local forestry residues and agricultural waste into renewable methanol that will help decarbonize the maritime industry. The plant is expected to begin operations in early 2028 and marks a key collaboration between OroCarbo, Haffner Energy, Maverick Synfuels, and AmSpec.
Advanced Technologies to Produce Low-Carbon Methanol
The California project will integrate two SYNOCA 20 MW modules from Haffner Energy to convert residual biomass into renewable syngas. This syngas will then be processed using Maverick Synfuels’ syngas-to-methanol technology, combining both systems into a single facility.
The first phase of the collaboration focuses on a carbon intensity (CI) study conducted by AmSpec, which will determine the environmental performance of the biomethanol produced. This step is crucial for certifying the fuel for maritime decarbonization pathways.
OroCarbo emphasizes that methanol emerged as the most reliable and cost-effective solution after evaluating various biomass utilization options. According to Founder Brian Wong, the project was inspired by the need to address smoke pollution caused by wildfires and to use the region’s abundant biomass sustainably.
Local Biomass, Wildfire Prevention, and Maritime Decarbonization
The plant will be located in Oroville, California, an area rich in forestry residues from wildfire prevention efforts and agricultural waste from the Central Valley. This locally sourced biomass supply is expected to fully support the facility’s 100-tonne-per-day production target.
Haffner Energy notes that renewable methanol is becoming increasingly important for decarbonizing maritime transport and chemical industries. The project simultaneously tackles environmental challenges such as wildfire risks while advancing clean fuel production. Maverick Synfuels adds that Haffner’s high-quality syngas technology is key to ensuring efficient methanol output.
The collaboration between OroCarbo, Haffner Energy, Maverick Synfuels, and AmSpec sets the stage for one of California’s most significant biomass-to-biomethanol projects. By turning local waste into renewable fuel, the initiative supports wildfire prevention, strengthens the regional supply chain, and contributes to global maritime decarbonization. With commissioning expected in 2028, the project represents a major step forward in sustainable energy innovation.
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Source: OFFSHORE ENERGY
