Breakthrough tech transforms food waste into green fuel for ships

Researchers from the Shanghai-based East China University of Science and Technology have unveiled a revolutionary technology that converts leftover food waste into green fuel for ocean-going vessels, marking a breakthrough for directional full-carbon conversion from biogas into green methanol, reducing costs by more than 30 percent.

The project, led by Chen De, a chair professor at the university and chief scientist at Shanghai CEO Technology Co Ltd, reached a milestone on Saturday by successfully completing its pilot phase, producing green methanol that meets the standards for maritime green fuel.

This innovation fills a technological gap and provides a material foundation for the green transition of the global shipping sector, said industry experts.

Supported by the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission, the project is a collaborative effort involving the East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai CEO Technology, Shanghai Chengtou Group Corporation, Sinopec Shanghai Engineering Co Ltd, and Shanggang Group Energy (Shanghai) Co Ltd.

The high-efficiency pilot system, a key bridge from lab research to industrial application, incorporates proprietary technologies, such as electric-driven biogas mixed reforming, green methanol synthesis, coupled heat pump distillation, and thermal integration optimization systems, said the researchers.

With the global shipping industry facing a 2050 net-zero emissions mandate and carbon cost pressures, finding viable, sustainable alternative fuel becomes crucial. Green methanol, with its low-carbon life cycle and adaptability, is emerging as a leading candidate to replace traditional heavy oil.