South Korea and Plagen ink deal for Taebaek green methanol project

In South Korea, Renewable Energy Magazine reports in Taebaek City, South Korea, Plagen and eight other companies signed an agreement to establish the country’s first commercial-scale green methanol plant, set to begin construction in late 2025, using locally sourced forest residues as feedstock to revitalize the region’s economy and reduce carbon emissions.

The plant, which will produce 10,000 tons of green methanol annually by 2027, is part of a broader initiative to transform the former coal mining town into a carbon-neutral clean energy hub. The green methanol will be synthesized from hydrogen and carbon monoxide, derived from the catalytic processing of the forest residues, contributing significantly to global carbon reduction efforts by displacing 5.5 tons of carbon dioxide per ton produced.

The project also supports the local forestry industry and aims to supply fuel for ships in the US-Korea Green Shipping Corridor, aligning with South Korea’s commitment to sustainable energy production.