Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and renewable energy company European Energy A/S (EE) are expanding the customer base and applications for the world’s first e-methanol produced in Denmark. The
e-methanol is manufactured at a facility established by Solar Park Kassø ApS, a subsidiary of a joint venture between Mitsui and EE. Located in Kassø, Aabenraa Municipality, southern Denmark, the facility is supporting the commercial adoption of low-carbon methanol across multiple industries.
e-Methanol Expands from Shipping to Chemicals
The project delivered its first shipment of e-methanol to Danish shipping company A.P. Moller – Maersk in May 2025. Maersk uses the fuel for marine applications, demonstrating the potential of e-methanol to support the decarbonisation of shipping. Since spring 2026, the project has expanded its customer base further. It now supplies e-methanol for chemical applications to LEGO Group and global healthcare company Novo Nordisk. In addition, Mitsui and European Energy have decided to supply e-methanol to European energy company OMV as a Renewable Fuel of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) for use as a land-based transportation fuel.
Expanding Applications for Low-Carbon Methanol
The growing customer base demonstrates the versatility of e-methanol across transportation and industrial applications. In particular, its use can extend beyond marine fuel to chemical products and land-based transport. e-Methanol is produced by combining green hydrogen, generated using renewable electricity, with green carbon dioxide (CO₂) sourced from biomass. Consequently, it offers a low-carbon alternative to conventional methanol and can support emissions reduction across hard-to-abate sectors.
Existing Infrastructure Supports Faster Adoption
One of the key advantages of e-methanol is its compatibility with existing methanol infrastructure. Existing distribution networks and storage facilities can handle the fuel, reducing the need for completely new infrastructure. e-methanol can serve as a synthetic fuel for transportation applications where using green hydrogen directly remains challenging. Potential applications include marine transport, land-based vehicles and aviation.
Mitsui Targets Growth Through Energy Transformation
Mitsui has identified “Global Energy Transformation 2.0” as a key strategic initiative under its Medium-term Management Plan 2029. Through this strategy, the company aims to expand its portfolio of low-carbon energy products while developing efficient value chains that respond to rapidly changing market conditions and customer requirements. Meanwhile, demand for low-carbon methanol is expected to grow across Europe, particularly in Germany, supported by policy frameworks such as the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III).
Supporting Europe’s Low-Carbon Energy Transition
By expanding e-methanol production and developing a diverse customer base, Mitsui and European Energy are helping accelerate the adoption of low-carbon fuels and materials. As per the press release, the growing range of applications—from shipping and chemicals to land transportation—highlights the potential of e-methanol to become an important component of Europe’s energy transition. Ultimately, strengthening the supply of low-carbon methanol can support industrial decarbonisation while contributing to a more sustainable energy system.
