U.S. project developer OroCarbo has selected France-based Haffner Energy’s SYNOCA renewable syngas technology for integration into a 100-tonne/day biomass-to-biomethanol facility planned in California. The project will pair SYNOCA with U.S.-based Maverick Synfuels’ syngas-to-methanol conversion technology.
The plant will utilize two SYNOCA 20 MW modules to convert forestry and agricultural residues into renewable syngas, which will then be transformed into biomethanol in a fully integrated installation.
The collaboration begins with a carbon intensity (CI) study, to be carried out by AmSpec, a U.S. provider of testing, inspection, and certification services. The study marks the first major milestone in the project’s development.
Targeted primarily for maritime fuel decarbonization, the biomethanol plant is expected to be commissioned in early 2028.
Based in Oroville, California, where the Central Valley farmlands meet the Sierra Nevada foothills, OroCarbo plans to utilize abundant forestry residues from wildfire-prevention efforts and agricultural waste, enabling the facility to meet its production goals.
Brian Wong, Founder and Managing Member of OroCarbo, said:
“OroCarbo was formed during COVID to find solutions for our local abundance of biomass, at a time when heavy smoke-laden air from wildfires made breathing difficult. Since then, we have explored many pathways to develop practical, reliable, and cost-effective solutions—with methanol emerging as the clear winner. We are thrilled to work with Haffner Energy and Maverick SynFuels to help decarbonize the chemical and marine industries and deliver value to our supply chain, customers, and community.”
Marcella Franchi, Chief Commercial Officer at Haffner Energy, added:
“Renewable methanol is emerging as a competitive alternative for decarbonizing maritime transport and the chemical sector, as well as serving as a hydrogen carrier. We’re excited to support this landmark California project, which addresses wildfire-prevention challenges while utilizing locally available biomass.”
Sam Yenne, Co-founder and CEO of Maverick Synfuels, said:
“We are excited to collaborate with Haffner Energy and their superior biomass-to-syngas technology. Brian Wong has done an excellent job assembling the key partners required for a successful biomass-to-biomethanol venture.”