China: Guangdong Liquid Sunshine to build plant to produce biomethanol bunker fuel

Guangzhou-based low-carbon chemical product producer Guangdong Liquid Sunshine will build its first commercial-scale biomethanol plant in Tiandong County, Guangxi Province, according to UK technology firm Johnson Matthey on Monday (27 April). 

Guangdong Liquid Sunshine has selected Johnson Matthey (JM) as a technology partner which will supply its methanol synthesis technology to convert gasified biomass waste into biomethanol, supporting the growing demand for low-carbon marine fuel.

When complete, the first phase of the plant – with construction expected to begin later this year- will achieve an annual production capacity of 75,000 metric tonnes (mt) of biomethanol.

If approved, a second phase will see an additional plant use the excess carbon dioxide from the first plant. It will be combined with electrolytic hydrogen to produce e-methanol which can be used to help meet e-fuel mandates, including those in Europe. 

This will increase the capacity for low carbon methanol production at the site without the need to use additional biomass feedstock.  

 JM’s methanol technology converts syngas from different feedstock sources, including waste biomass, into methanol. Already proven at scale, JM’s industry-leading technology delivers enhanced long-term operational performance by combining its proprietary methanol synthesis loop with a high-performance catalyst. 

Alberto Giovanzana, CEO of Catalyst Technologies, Johnson Matthey, said:  “Johnson Matthey has worked in China for more than 30 years with the country’s largest, most successful energy and chemical producers. We’re excited to be a part of Liquid Sunshine’s plans and this project represents our second green methanol plant license win in China. 

“Our world-leading methanol synthesis technology will play an increasingly vital role as the site eventually integrates biomethanol with e-methanol production. Once operational, this refinery will help meet the growing demand for fuel and energy security in the marine industry.” 

Xi Jiang, Executive President of Liquid Sunshine, said: “The renewable energy and chemical industries are entering a critical phase of accelerated growth here in China. We are delighted to have JM’s technical expertise on board, as we develop a world-class biomethanol plant.

“For us, this collaboration marks an important starting point for deeper partnerships with global technology leaders, such as JM, enabling both parties to actively explore domestic and international green energy markets and foster innovation.”

 The project will be led by Guangdong Liquid Sunshine, jointly constructed with the Tiandong County People’s Government and China Coal Guangxi New Energy, while ECEC will also act as a key project partner in engineering.

Photo credit: David Yu from Pixabay
Published: 29 April, 2026