Orsted abandons flagship e-methanol project
Danish firm takes $220m hit as it halts Europe’s largest project in setback for transition to green shipping fuels
Danish renewable energy company Orsted has halted construction of Europe’s largest synthetic methanol production project, citing the slower-than-expected development of Europe’s green fuels markets. The FlagshipONE project, based at Ornskoldsvik in northern Sweden, had been scheduled to start up in 2025, with initial output of 55,000t/yr of e-methanol produced from electrolytic hydrogen and biogenic CO₂. Orsted’s decision to abandon the project more than a year into its construction has resulted in it booking a DKK1.5bn ($220m) impairment loss. “The liquid e-fuel market in Europe is developing slower than expected, and we have taken the strategic decision to de-prioritise our efforts within

Also in this section
24 July 2025
Green hydrogen developer advances mega projects in Australia and Oman as key shareholders Shell and BP remain invested
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