Frequently Asked Questions

Technology

  • CRI’s Emissions-to-Liquids™ (ETL) technology converts captured CO₂ directly into methanol through a patented hydrogenation process. By avoiding intermediate synthesis steps, the process is simpler and produces fewer by-products, resulting in more efficient downstream separation and distillation.

    The technology has been developed and refined through more than 15 years of research, demonstration and commercial deployment. Key advantages include:

    • High efficiency – hydrogen efficiency typically reaches 98–99% of the theoretical maximum

    • Operational flexibility – demonstrated turndown to 30%, with designs available for greater flexibility when required

    • Optimised heat integration to improve overall plant efficiency

    • Feedstock flexibility – compatible with CO₂ from various industrial sources and hydrogen from electrolysis or industrial by-product streams

    • Proven commercial operation, with performance validated through commissioned plants

    CRI was also the first company in the world to produce and sell certified renewable methanol, demonstrating the technology at industrial scale.

  • CRI’s technology is considered TRL 8–9, meaning it has been demonstrated and validated in commercial operation.

    The company has been developing and deploying CO₂-to-methanol technology since 2006, with over 20 years of experience in the field.

    CRI’s technology has been implemented in multiple reference plants and continues to be deployed in new projects under development, including some of the largest and most efficient CO₂-to-methanol plants built to date.

  • CRI has developed and deployed its technology across multiple commercial and demonstration projects worldwide.

    You can explore the full portfolio of reference projects here.

  • CRI’s technology does not require a minimum CO₂ concentration in the incoming gas stream. However, certain contaminants must remain below defined limits to ensure stable operation of the synthesis process.

    Typical limitations apply to compounds such as oxygen, sulphur and chlorine. These specifications are evaluated as part of project feasibility studies.

  • Both e-methanol and bio-methanol are forms of low-carbon methanol, but they differ in the origin of their feedstocks.

    E-methanol is produced by combining captured CO₂ with renewable hydrogen, typically generated through water electrolysis powered by renewable electricity.

    Bio-methanol is produced from biogenic carbon sources, such as biomass, biogas or organic waste streams.

    Although the production pathways differ, the resulting methanol molecules are chemically identical and can be used in the same fuels, chemicals and industrial applications.

Project Development

  • Yes. CRI supports early-stage development through a range of technical studies, including feasibility assessments, concept studies, techno-economic analysis and certification studies.

    These studies are typically delivered during the FEL-1, FEL-2 and FEL-3 project phases, helping developers evaluate the technical and economic viability of CO₂-to-methanol projects.

  • CRI’s core offering focuses on the technology and process components of a CO₂-to-methanol plant. This includes:

    • Technology licensing

    • Process Design Package (PDP)

    • Proprietary equipment and catalyst supply

    • Plant start-up and commissioning support

    • Early-stage development studies

    CRI also collaborates with engineering companies and EPC contractors to integrate the technology into the overall plant design and construction.

  • CRI typically works together with project developers, engineering companies and EPC partners.

    CRI provides the technology licence, process design and specialised technical expertise, while engineering partners support detailed design, construction and plant delivery.

    Additional services may include operational support, certification guidance, carbon capture integration and offtake advisory.

  • For a new facility, the estimated timeline from Final Investment Decision (FID) to commissioning is typically around 24 months.

    For projects involving multiple similar plants or repeat deployments, delivery times can decrease to approximately 21 months per plant.

    Actual timelines depend on project-specific factors such as permitting, site conditions and supply chain considerations.

Markets and Deployment

  • CRI works globally and currently has a pipeline of approximately 100 projects under evaluation.

    The largest share of the current project pipeline is located in China, Southeast Asia, Brazil and Europe, reflecting strong demand for low-carbon fuels and sustainable chemical feedstocks in these regions.

  • Yes. CRI maintains a commercial presence in China and has participated in several projects in the region.

    More information about CRI’s activities in China can be found here.

  • Yes. CRI provides advisory services to support product certification and market access for renewable and low-carbon methanol.

    These services may include:

    • Methanol certification studies during early project development

    • Plant design optimisation to meet certification requirements

    • Support during plant construction and operation to achieve and maintain certification

    CRI can also support discussions around offtake arrangements and market access, including applications such as marine fuels.