Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 17, U.S. project developer OroCarbo has chosen France-based Haffner Energy’s renewable syngas technology, SYNOCA, for integration into a 100-tonne-per-day biomass-to-biomethanol facility planned in California. The project will also apply U.S.-based Maverick Synfuels’ syngas-to-methanol conversion system, forming a combined installation. According to the information released, two SYNOCA 20 MW modules will be required to convert residual biomass into syngas before methanol production.

The initial phase of the collaboration centers on a carbon intensity (CI) assessment, which will be conducted by AmSpec, a U.S. testing, inspection, and certification firm. This CI study marks the first formal milestone for the project. Commissioning of the biomethanol plant is expected in early 2028, and the output will be used mainly to support decarbonization efforts in maritime transport.

OroCarbo operates in Oroville, California, located where the agricultural lands of the Central Valley meet the Sierra Nevada foothills. Forestry residues from wildfire prevention work and agricultural waste are expected to supply the biomass feedstock needed to achieve the plant’s production targets.

Brian Wong, Founder and Managing Member of OroCarbo, said: “OroCarbo was formed during COVID to find solutions for our local abundance of biomass, at a time when heavy smoke-laden air from local wildfires coupled with face masks made breathing, the most basic human need, difficult. Since then, OroCarbo has explored many pathways to develop solutions that will be practical, reliable, and cost effective with methanol coming out as the clear winner. We are very excited to be working with Haffner Energy and Maverick SynFuels to help decarbonize the chemical and marine industries. OroCarbo’s goal is to offer high value solutions for our supply chain, our customers, and our community.”

Marcella Franchi, Chief Commercial Officer of Haffner Energy, commented: “Renewable methanol is emerging as a competitive alternative to decarbonize maritime transport and chemical industries, as well as a hydrogen carrier. We’re excited to participate in this landmark project in California, which addresses local challenges such as wildfire prevention while utilizing abundant residual biomass.”

Sam Yenne, Co-founder and CEO of Maverick Synfuels, stated: “We, at Maverick, are excited to be working with Haffner Energy and their superior technology for generating high quality syngas from biomass. And Brian Wong has done an excellent job in bringing together all of the key players for a successful biomass-to-biomethanol project.”

The collaboration brings together technology developers from the United States and Europe, using locally available residual biomass to supply a project intended to support low-carbon maritime fuel demand and contribute to regional environmental objectives.