Methanol touted as hydrogen enabler
Methanol-to-hydrogen reforming at point of use could sidestep need to transport and store the gas, conference hears
Methanol has a potential role in enabling the hydrogen economy as the versatile chemical can double up as a dense hydrogen carrier—effectively allowing hydrogen to be used in transport while sidestepping the complexity and high cost of storing and transporting it, according to speakers at the World Methanol Conference. Hydrogen’s promise as a transport fuel is undermined by its low energy density compared to conventional fuels and the logistical challenges of handling it as a gas. But methanol on a molecular level is four parts hydrogen to one part oxygen and one part carbon—meaning the industrial alcohol packs more hydrogen in a given volume than hydrogen itself—and is liquid at ambient tem

Also in this section
25 July 2025
Oil major cites strategy reset as it walks away from Australian Renewable Energy Hub, leaving partner InterContinental Energy to lead one of world’s largest green hydrogen projects
23 July 2025
Electrolysis seen as most leakage-prone production pathway as study warns of sharp increase through 2030 and beyond
22 July 2025
The gas-hungry sector is set for rapid growth, and oil majors and some of the world’s largest LNG firms are investing in ammonia production and export facilities, though much depends on regulatory support
16 July 2025
Major manufacturer cancels rollout of new hydrogen-powered vans and strengthens focus on battery electric and hybrid markets