Renewable Methanol Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global Renewable Methanol Market is slated to expand at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period surpassing USD 398.1 million by 2033. Increasing sales of daily items, including plastics, paints, cosmetics, and fuels, fuel the demand for liquid chemical methanol (CH3OH).

Synthesis gas, a mixture of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide, is used to create liquid methanol. These basic elements are obtained from a variety of feedstocks and by employing various technological techniques.

Natural gas, coal, and biomass are some of the most preferred feedstocks for the production of methanol. Methanol produced using biomass as feedstock is termed renewable methanol or bio-methanol. In compliance with the growing trend of sustainability and high growth in recycled and bio-based chemicals, the global renewable methanol business is anticipated to witness a surge in demand over the forthcoming decade.

What are the Key Trends Boosting the Renewable Methanol Sector?

Bio-Methanol - A Superior Liquid Motor Fuel for Transportation

The application of methanol in internal combustion engines reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 15-20% compared to gasoline. It also burns with clean fumes and is used in spark ignition port-injected gasoline engines without any modification. This makes renewable methanol suitable for use as a superior liquid motor fuel.

In addition, government regulations in countries such as the USA, India, China, and European countries to use over 10% of renewable fuels in motor fuels by the end of 2025 is expected to drive demand for second-generation biofuels such as renewable methanol over the forecast period.

Since low greenhouse gas emissions and renewable feedstocks, methanol emerged as a next-generation fuel solution that complies with strict governmental norms tightening their noose over various vehicle manufacturers regarding emissions.

Fuel Cell Technology to Create Growth Prospects in Renewable Methanol Industry

Another key application of methanol includes fuel cell technology, which opines FMI. Fuel cell technology is trending owing to booming global electric vehicle sales. Demand for Electric vehicles has surged exponentially over the past few years. According to a study, the market is expected to follow this trend over the upcoming assessment period.

Electric vehicles draw their power from high-performance batteries instead of fuel. Renewable methanol, which is environment-friendly and cost-effective, is used in fuel-cell vehicles. Also, renewable methanol fed directly to the fuel cell without being reformed with hydrogen.

Such technologies that have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from road transport offer strong growth potential. Thus, key players in the renewable methanol business target fuel-cell technology to capitalize on increasing growth opportunities in terms of revenue.

Attributes Details
Renewable Methanol Market CAGR (2023 to 2033) 6.6%
Renewable Methanol Market Size (2023) USD 210.1 million
Renewable Methanol Market Size (2033) USD 398.1 million

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2018 to 2022 Renewable Methanol Industry Outlook Compared to 2023 to 2033 Forecast

As per Future Market Insights (FMI), demand for renewable methanol grew at a CAGR of 6.8% during the historical assessment period of 2018 to 2022. Growth in the market is attributed to rising awareness of carbon emissions and global environmental protection. Hence, growing sustainability trends, recycling, and bio-based chemicals have been witnessing a heavy surge in demand.

Methanol, a key blending agent in conventional fuels to reduce emissions, is witnessing rapid growth. However, methanol is mostly produced using natural gas and coal, which provides a setback in the growth of renewable products. On the other hand, renewable methanol produced using renewable feedstocks is expected to gain traction in the market. Further, the rapid implication of strict regulations over emissions from vehicles and industries is anticipated to be the key factor driving the growth in the market.

Regional Analysis

Country Market Share (2023)
United States 22.4%
Japan 15.4%
Germany 10.2%
Australia 3.1%

What is the Demand Outlook in the United States Renewable Industry?

As per FMI, the United States is one of the leading consumers of renewable methanol globally. High awareness and strict government regulations regarding the country's carbon footprint compel the use of methanol in fuel and other products to decrease their emission levels.

On the back of these aforementioned factors, the United States is likely to account for a significant share, approximately more than 22.4% of the global market. Stringent regulations imposed by the government and robust sales of electric vehicles in the country are anticipated to boost the United States market.

How Big is the Opportunity in the India Renewable Methanol Industry?

Country India
Market CAGR (2023 to 2033) 7.3%

India is considered to be a significant market for methanol and renewable methanol across the world. Regulations over vehicle emissions are among the key factors promoting the growth of renewable methanol in the country. Implementing BS - III, BS - IV, BS - VI, and various other regulations, including compulsory use of methanol or other renewable fuel in fuel blending, benefits the market.

Apart from this, India's electric vehicle market is also witnessing tailwinds over the past two years. The government in the country is employing various financial aids and regulations (fuel price hikes, subsidies in batteries, and various others) to promote the use and manufacturing of electric vehicles and their components. Consistent growth in the production of fuel cells in the country is expected to propel the CAGR to new heights.

Nikhil Kaitwade
Nikhil Kaitwade

Principal Consultant

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Category-wise Insights

Which is the Primary Source in the Renewable Methanol Industry?

Biomass feedstocks are the most preferred feedstocks to produce renewable methanol across the globe. Low treatment cost and pre-treatment methods are some factors that provide biomass an edge over its alternatives. According to FMI, biomass feedstocks are used as feedstock in the production of more than 42% of the renewable methanol produced across the globe.

Production of methanol using biomass feedstocks solves two of the key environmental concerns which are the treatment of waste and reduction of vehicle emissions, owing to which various environment protection agencies, regulatory bodies, and regional governments provide various benefits and aids in the set-up of production lines and production of renewable methanol.

Which is the Leading Application in the Renewable Methanol Sector?

Formaldehyde producers are the key consumers of renewable methanol across the globe. Formaldehyde is a precursor of a wide spectrum of vital chemicals across the globe. About 25% of the renewable methanol produced across the globe is consumed in the manufacturing of formaldehyde.

Apart from chemical synthesis formaldehyde also finds its applications in a wide range of industries including paints and coatings, food, medicine, disinfection, and various others. Owing to such immense uses of chemicals in some of the rapidly growing industries, formaldehyde manufacturers are anticipated to create ample opportunities for methanol manufacturers over the upcoming assessment period of 2023 to 2033.

Competitive Landscape

Manufacturers of renewable methanol are positively engaged in the expansion of their production capacities to cater to the rising demand for the product. Key manufacturers are engaged in the expansion of production facilities and acquisitions/mergers of regional small - medium-level players to achieve domination in the market. However, nimble growth in new market entrants owing to various governmental aids has maintained fragmentation in the market.

For example: To boost the capacity of the world's green methanol production, Maersk engaged into strategic alliances with six businesses in March 2022. The company aims to source at least 730,000 tonnes of green methanol annually by 2025.

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Key Players

  • Methanex Corporation
  • Carbon Recycling International
  • BioMCN
  • Enerkem
  • Chemrec Inc.
  • VarmlandsMethanol
  • Alberta Pacific
  • New Hope Energy
  • Trans World Energy
  • Proman
  • ENI
  • BASF SE
  • Apex Energy Teterow GmbH
  • Liquid wind
  • Veolia

Key Segments

By Primary Source :

  • Biomass
  • Municipal Waste
  • Industrial Waste
  • Others

By End Use Sector :

  • Formaldehyde
  • MTBE
  • Gasoline
  • Dimethyl Ethers
  • Solvents
  • Others

By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa (MEA)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Key Players in the Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography Market?

Intel, Nikon, and Canon are some top players in the market.

What is the Future Scope of the Renewable Methanol Market?

The overall market is expected to progress with a CAGR of 6.6% until 2033.

What Type of Renewable Methanol is in High Demand?

Renewable Methanol obtained from biomass feedstock accounts for more than 42% of the total sales.

Which Region is the Leading Market for Manufacturing of Renewable Methanol?

The United States accounted for almost 22.4% of the global market in 2022.

What is the Limitation for the Renewable Methanol Market?

Slow adoption of sustainable practices limits their use and sales.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Market Background
	4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2018 to 2033
	5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Primary Source
		5.1. Biomass
		5.2. Municipal Waste
		5.3. Industrial Waste
		5.4. Others
	6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By End Use
		6.1. Formaldehyde
		6.2. MTBE
		6.3. Gasoline
		6.4. Dimethyl Ethers
		6.5. Solvents
		6.6. Others
	7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Region
	8. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Country
	9. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Country
	10. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Country
	11. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Country
	12. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Country
	13. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Country
	14. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Country
	15. Key Countries Market Analysis
	16. Market Structure Analysis
	17. Competition Analysis
		17.1. Mathanex Corporation
		17.2. Carbon Recycling International
		17.3. BioMCN
		17.4. Enerkem
		17.5. Chemrec Inc.
		17.6. VarmlandsMethanol
		17.7. Alberta Pacific
		17.8. New Hope Energy
		17.9. Trans World Energy
		17.10. Proman
		17.11. ENI
		17.12. BASF SE
		17.13. Apex Energy Teterow GmbH
		17.14. Liquid Wind
		17.15. Veolia
	18. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
	19. Research Methodology
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