21 May 2025
Towngas’s green methanol becomes the first project to receive TÜV SÜD Carbon Footprint Certification
(21 May 2025) As the global shipping industry strives to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, green methanol is emerging as a crucial fuel choice for driving carbon reduction in the sector. The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) leverages its proprietary technology to convert biomass and municipal waste into green methanol. This achievement has earned them the TÜV SÜD Carbon Footprint Verification Statement, making it the first green methanol project to receive this certification, underscoring Towngas’s efforts in developing green energy.
Green methanol is a chemical product made from renewable resources such as biomass and municipal waste that emits significantly fewer greenhouse gases compared to traditional fossil fuels when used as a fuel. It is safe, technologically mature, and suitable for use in ships and other vehicles, helping the shipping industry meet the International Maritime Organization’s carbon reduction targets. As a chemical raw material, it can aid in the deep decarbonisation of the entire methanol industry chain, contributing to the early achievement of the national "dual carbon" goals.
The green methanol produced at Towngas's plant in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, underwent a comprehensive lifecycle assessment by TÜV SÜD according to the ISO 14067:2018 standard. The evaluation covered the entire lifecycle of the product, from raw material acquisition, transportation, production and waste disposal. Results confirmed that the product’s carbon emissions comply with international standards, demonstrating significant low-carbon benefits in its production process. Consequently, it has officially received the Carbon Footprint Verification Statement.
Mr Sham Man-fai, Chief Operating Officer – Green Fuels & Chemicals of Towngas expressed his encouragement, stating, "This certification helps us gain a comprehensive understanding of our greenhouse gas emission sources, emission levels, and potential risks, allowing us to identify more cost-effective emission reduction solutions. This will give us a leading edge among green methanol producers in Asia and lay a solid foundation for opening up the market for green methanol in chemical applications." He also highlighted that Towngas's green methanol project is the first enterprise on the Chinese mainland to receive both ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS dual international certifications, and now it has become the first project to receive green methanol carbon footprint certification, which is the best recognition of our technological innovation and sustainable development.
Frank Fang, Director BA GCN, TÜV SÜD, stated, "Towngas's green methanol production process meets international carbon reduction standards and demonstrates significant low-carbon benefits. This not only sets a benchmark for the development of green methanol in China and Asia but also provides a replicable solution for achieving global carbon neutrality goals." Fang Hua emphasised that green methanol, as a clean energy carrier, is crucial for reducing carbon emissions in high-carbon industries such as shipping and chemicals. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for Towngas's strong commitment to sustainable development and the collaborative efforts of all partners.
Towngas will continue to champion green development principles and deepen cooperation with international organisations like TÜV SÜD, promoting low-carbon transformation in the industry and working together to build a sustainable future.
About The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited
Founded in 1862, Towngas is the public utility with the longest history in Hong Kong and one of the city’s largest energy suppliers, with world-class corporate governance and operations. In recent years, Towngas has been actively developing clean energy solutions, including hydrogen energy, marine green methanol, and sustainable aviation fuel, striving to achieve the vision of carbon neutrality. Currently, Towngas has developed more than 970 projects across 29 provincial regions in China, encompassing renewable energy solutions, urban pipeline gas, gas supply chains, water supply, urban waste utilisation projects, and emerging green energy.
About TÜV SÜD
Founded in 1866 as a steam boiler inspection association, the TÜV SÜD Group has evolved into a global enterprise. More than 28,000 employees work at over 1,000 locations in about 50 countries to continually improve technology, systems and expertise. They contribute significantly to making technical innovations such as Industry 4.0, autonomous driving and renewable energy safe and reliable.
www.tuvsud.cn
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Press photos:
Photo 1:
Towngas has received the Verification Statement from TÜV SÜD, reconing the company's carbon emission data and reduction contributions in its green methanol production project.
Photo 2:
Towngas’s methanol production plant in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, employs proprietary technology to convert biomass and municipal waste into green methanol. This project has become the first to receive the green methanol carbon footprint certification of TÜV SÜD.
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The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited
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