Thermax entered into a strategic agreement with Germany-based C1 Green Chemicals AG to jointly develop a pre-commercial facility for producing green methanol from biomass-derived synthesis gas (syngas). Ankur Scientific Energy Technologies Pvt. Ltd. will also participate in the initiative, contributing its expertise in biomass gasification.
The collaboration brings together C1’s methanol catalyst technology, Thermax’s process engineering and development capabilities, and Ankur Scientific’s experience in gasification. Through this partnership, the companies aim to demonstrate an integrated production pathway that could support the future commercial-scale production of biomass-based methanol in India.
Thermax Chief Technology Officer Santanu Chaudhuri said the agreement reflects the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions through strategic innovation. He added that developing the pre-commercial facility would help establish the technical capabilities required for future commercial deployment.
C1 Green Chemicals Grants Its First Technology Licence to Thermax
The agreement marks an important milestone for C1 Green Chemicals, as Thermax becomes the first company to receive a technology licence from the German technology developer. C1 CEO Christian Vollmann described Thermax as an ideal partner for deploying the company’s technology, highlighting its extensive experience in developing and building chemical plants. He said both companies plan to scale up the methanol technology initially in India, with potential opportunities to expand into other markets.
Vollmann also highlighted the growing demand for locally produced, decentralised biomethanol as countries seek to reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels. The partnership combines three complementary technologies and capabilities. While C1 contributes its proprietary catalyst technology, Thermax will lead process engineering and development, and Ankur Scientific will provide its biomass gasification expertise. Biomass gasification converts solid organic materials into synthesis gas, or syngas, which serves as a feedstock for methanol production.
Biomass-Based Methanol Supports the Energy Transition
Biomass-based methanol offers a potential pathway to produce lower-carbon fuels and chemical feedstocks from renewable resources. However, its environmental and commercial benefits depend on sustainable biomass availability, feedstock quality, conversion efficiency and emissions across the entire production supply chain.
Methanol plays an important role in the chemical industry and is also gaining attention as an alternative fuel, particularly in sectors such as shipping. Consequently, developing commercially viable biomass-to-methanol technologies could create new opportunities for renewable fuel production.
Nevertheless, the technology’s wider adoption will depend on several factors, including production costs, reliable biomass supplies, process efficiency and growing demand from end users. The companies have not yet disclosed the proposed facility’s location, production capacity, investment, construction schedule or expected commissioning date.
Thermax Advances Another Biomass-Based Methanol Project in Gujarat
The latest agreement follows another green methanol initiative announced by Thermax and Ankur Scientific in May 2026. Under that partnership, the companies plan to establish a biomass-based methanol production facility at Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla, Gujarat, with an annual production capacity of up to 18,000 tonnes.
The proposed facility will use locally sourced Ganda Baval biomass and Ankur Scientific’s gasification technology, while Thermax will integrate its fuel-processing capabilities. The project aims to support the development of lower-emission marine fuels in India.
However, the newly announced collaboration with C1 Green Chemicals represents a separate development. It introduces C1’s catalyst technology into the partnership, although the companies have not announced any direct connection between the proposed pre-commercial facility and the Kandla project.
Technology Demonstration Will Determine Commercial Potential
The collaboration represents another step towards advancing India’s biomass-to-methanol industry. By integrating biomass gasification, process engineering and specialised catalyst technology, the partners aim to demonstrate an integrated production pathway at the pre-commercial stage.
However, moving from technology demonstration to commercial production will require the partners to establish consistent syngas quality, efficient methanol conversion, catalyst performance and reliable biomass feedstock supplies. Furthermore, the project’s long-term commercial viability will depend on competitive production costs and demonstrable lifecycle emissions reductions.
As reported by bioenergybusiness.com, the next important milestone will be the disclosure of the facility’s technical specifications, investment details and implementation timeline. Its performance could provide valuable insights into the commercial potential of biomass-derived methanol and support the wider adoption of renewable methanol technologies in India.
