Topsoe, a global provider of technologies and solutions for the energy transition, signed a contract with international energy company Uniper to deliver the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) for its NorthStarH2 e-methanol project in Östersund, northern Sweden. The project will use Topsoe’s ModuLite™ e-methanol technology, including gas compression. With its prefabricated modular design, the technology can accelerate plant construction and commissioning while enabling faster deployment. In addition, its dynamic synthesis loop supports reliable operation despite fluctuations in renewable power supply.
NorthStarH2 to Produce 115,000 Tonnes of E-Methanol Annually
Once operational, the NorthStarH2 facility is expected to produce approximately 115,000 tons of e-methanol per year. The project will support the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries, particularly shipping and chemicals, by providing a lower-carbon alternative to conventional fuels and feedstocks. Uniper expects to reach the Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2028.
Topsoe Technology Supports Renewable E-Methanol Production
Topsoe’s ModuLite™ technology is designed to integrate efficiently with renewable energy systems. Its modular configuration can simplify deployment, while the dynamic synthesis loop allows the e-methanol production process to respond to changes in renewable electricity availability. Yassir Ghiyati, Chief Commercial Officer at Topsoe, said the Nordic region is emerging as one of Europe’s most ambitious markets for clean fuels. He highlighted NorthStarH2 as an important project for accelerating decarbonization in critical sectors such as shipping and chemicals.
Renewable Hydrogen and Biogenic CO₂ at the Core of NorthStarH2
The NorthStarH2 project will produce e-methanol by combining renewable hydrogen with biogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) captured from biomass combustion. Consequently, the process aims to reduce carbon emissions in the shipping and chemical industries while supporting the transition toward cleaner fuels and raw materials. The project benefits from established infrastructure and access to road and rail networks. These connections will enable the transportation of e-methanol across Sweden and into wider European markets for applications in transportation and the chemical industry.
Uniper Advances Plant Design with Key Suppliers
With Topsoe and other key suppliers now contracted, Uniper can move forward with detailed plant development during the FEED phase. According to Broghan Helgeson, NorthStarH2 Project Manager at Uniper, the agreements will help define how the facility will be designed and constructed. As per the press release, the collaboration marks another step toward developing a large-scale e-methanol production facility in Sweden and strengthening the Nordic region’s role in Europe’s clean-fuels transition.
