Next Fuel Consortium represents a multidisciplinary group composed of 7 partners from 5 countries
Partners
The consortium has two partners that build (FLEXFUELS AND TOPSOE) and one that operates (FLEXFUELS) process plants. There is one end-user (TOPEKA) that alone is more than large enough to handle all the production of this and several additional methanol plants (Wilhelmsen operates 200 ships and the first two powered by methanol are under construction). WEGEMT has done communications in many similar projects, and we reuse their approaches. Gasnor is the coordinator and also the logistics operator, experienced in running large projects on new process plants. All the industry and research partners cooperate on the modelling approach.
In the figure to the right, we show how the members cooperate. We have two members (NTNU and CERTH) that build the foundations for modelling process plants and their ecosystems, that is used in both the demonstrator and in scaling for impact. The industry partners provide input and collaborate in making the models, and lead the demonstrator work. We have four industrial partners with a leading process plant provider (TOPSOE), a substantial biogas owner and shipping fuel provider (GASNOR), a fuel plant operator (FLEXFUELS) and one of Europe’s largest shipowners (Wilhelmsen), participating with its zero-emission unit TOPEKA, which already co-owns two container ships under construction. Additionally, we have the assistance of a cluster for dissemination and communication activities (WEGEMT), and have Gasnor do the project management.
Gasnor
Gasnor is Norway’s largest natural gas company. Gasnor buys, produces, distributes and sells natural gas, mainly to the industry or as fuel for ships, but also to the private market.
Since 1989, Gasnor has innovated the energy market by challenging traditional fuels with cleaner and more environmentally friendly solutions. Gasnor works to increase awareness of natural gas as a low-emission technology in the short term, and gas as a zero-emission technology in the longer term.
Gasnor has already taken the step into the climate-neutral world by supplying biogas, which is a renewable and sustainable gas. We also use large resources to establish and build a value chain for hydrogen.
Gasnor is an innovative energy company and a pioneer within sustainable LNG production.
NTNU
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim represents academic eminence in technology and the natural sciences as well as in other academic disciplines ranging from the social sciences, the arts, medicine, architecture to fine art.
Foundation WEGEMT
A European association of the largest network of maritime universities in 16 countries formed in 1978, updating and extending the skills of practicing engineers and postgraduate students in marine technology and related sciences. WEGEMT is responsible for the dissemination and communication activities.
Flexfuels
New fuel production company with Gasnor as its largest owner, that will own and operate the biomethanol production plant.
Topsoe
Topsoe is a leading global provider of technology and solutions for the energy transition. Topsoe combats climate change by helping customers and partners achieve their decarbonization and emission reduction goals.
Based on decades of scientific research and innovation, Topsoe offers world leading solutions for transforming renewable resources into fuels and chemicals for a sustainable world, and for efficient and low-carbon fuel production and clean air.
CERTH / HIT
CERTH is one of the leading research centres in Greece and listed among the TOP-15 E.U. institutions with the highest participation in competitive research grants
The Hellenic Institute of Transport (HIT) is part of the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH). HIT’s main objective is the conduct and support of applied research activities in the field of transportation in Greece, more specifically on issues relating to the organization, operation, planning and development of infrastructure, the standardization, economic analysis, management, vehicle technology, and the impact assessment of land, maritime, air, and multimodal transport services. HIT’s services also include the provision of training and education activities in related fields, the dissemination of research activities, and the representation of Greece in transport research and other relevant scientific fora abroad.
Topeka
Topeka, a Wilhelmsen group company, makes low and zero-emission vessels available for the shipping industry. We are your strategic partner combining access to the largest maritime network in the world, cargo owners, funds, shipbuilding expertise, and experience within various energy carriers, putting it all together so you can decarbonise without risk.
