NextFuel has released a set of in-depth case studies analysing potential locations for future eREACT™-based biomethanol plants across Northern and Southern Europe. The findings uncover how differences in grid capacity, gas access, harbour logistics, industrial synergies and community considerations shape the feasibility of deploying next-generation green fuel production.
Northern Europe: Industrial Parks Lead the Way
Case studies covering Norway demonstrate that mature industrial (chemical) parks on the coast line frequently offer the most advantageous conditions — particularly due to green electricity availability, high-pressure gas grids, CO₂ infrastructure, methanol shipping logistics and opportunities to integrate heat and cooling systems with neighbouring industries.
Harbour sites remain attractive for direct ship bunkering, but typically face higher land costs, stricter height/noise restrictions, and more complex permitting processes.
Southern Europe: Strong Opportunities in Greece and Italy
Publicly available data and stakeholder consultations indicate strong potential in key Mediterranean ports, including:
- Port of Elefsina (Greece) – close to Europe’s largest maritime hub in Piraeus, with strong industrial surroundings and growing biogas capacity.
- Port of Thessaloniki (Greece) – excellent logistics and proximity to multiple biogas plants and future CO₂ storage options.
- Port of Marghera (Italy) and Port of Ravenna (Italy) – located within regions that lead Italy in biogas production, with established chemicals and LNG infrastructures that could substantially reduce project CAPEX and OPEX.
The analyses highlight that co-location with existing industrial ecosystems is a decisive factor for reducing cost and accelerating permitting — reinforcing the role of eSMR technology in Europe’s broader decarbonisation and bioenergy strategies.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 101136225.
