Future Fuel - Methanol

The investment in new technology and future fuels is critical for Aggreko to achieve its net zero strategy by 2050.One of the fuels we are exploring the capabilities of is methanol. To provide an insight into this further, take a look at our quick reference guide below.

What is methanol?

Methanol is a clear, colourless and biodegradable liquid. It is the simplest alcohol you can find and has just one carbon atom and 4 hydrogen atoms per molecule. It is an energy carrier or energy vector and not typically a fuel.

How is methanol made?

The annual production of methanol is 110 million tonnes and over 98% of it is produced using hydrocarbons in a 3-step process:

Feedstock is hydrocarbons, add water to it, reform at high pressure to get syngas

1. Syngas manufacture – hydrocarbon is reformed
2. Methanol synthesis – syngas is synthesized into methanol at high pressure
3. Methanol distillation

How is methanol used?

The largest use of methanol today is in chemical processes, with the largest use in formaldehyde production such as resins, glues, plywood and foams.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of methanol?

Pros

• Half energy density of diesel which is better than hydrogen
• Very low carbon
• No particulate matter
• Lower NOx

Cons

• Limited availability for green methanol
• Not a drop-in fuel
• Expensive

How is Aggreko using methanol?

Aggreko is familiar with handling methanol-type fuels and is currently testing a methanol combustion engine in one of our canopy generators. Testing began in Autumn 2021 and will continue into 2022.

Methanol is just one fuel we are exploring as part of our pledge to reduce the amount of diesel used in our fleet by at least 50% by 2030. You can read more about our alternative fuels by downloading our brochure here.  

Aggreko launched our greener upgrades initiative earlier this year which highlights the new technologies that businesses can adopt for a low-carbon future.