Vast Secures Planning Consent for Solar Methanol Plant

In Australia, Vast Renewables Limited has received planning consent for Solar Methanol 1 (SM1), a concentrated solar thermal powered (CSP) methanol plant in Port Augusta, South Australia. The facility will produce 7,500 tonnes of green methanol annually, aimed at decarbonizing the shipping industry.

SM1 is a collaboration with Mabanaft GmbH & Co. KG, combining proven technologies to produce green methanol. The project integrates a Leilac calcination plant from Calix to capture CO2 from cement and lime production, an electrolysis plant for hydrogen production, and a methanol plant. The plant will be powered by VS1, a 30 MW / 288 MWh CSP facility using Vast’s CSP v3.0 technology to provide renewable heat and electricity.

The project aligns with South Australia’s hydrogen industry goals and represents a scalable green fuel production pathway independent of biomass resources.

Craig Wood, CEO of Vast, highlighted the project’s role in global maritime decarbonization and its potential to catalyze a green fuels industry. The planning consent marks a crucial step towards the final investment decision for SM1.

More on the story.