U.S.-based bioenergy company WasteFuel and Türkiye’s integrated waste management leader ITC have announced a partnership to initiate the front-end engineering design (FEED) for a cutting-edge green methanol biorefinery in Ankara, Türkiye.
Planned to be built next to ITC’s existing waste management facility, the biorefinery will produce green methanol by utilizing biogas from anaerobic digestion and landfill gas capture. According to WasteFuel, once operational, the facility will supply low-carbon methanol fuel aimed at supporting the maritime sector’s shift toward cleaner energy. A final investment decision (FID) for the project is expected by early 2026.
David Trench, CEO of WasteFuel, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating: “We are excited to partner with ITC in Ankara, further expanding our global green fuel initiatives. Green methanol will play a key role in cutting emissions from the shipping industry in the near term, and this project will contribute significantly to meeting the rising demand for sustainable marine fuels.”
Johan Fritz, Global Project Director at WasteFuel, added: “This project stands on a solid foundation—ITC’s operational expertise in Ankara, cost-efficient development based on proven technologies, and strong backing from Turkish government officials—all of which position it for success as we move into the next phase.”
Yavuz Kantur, General Manager of ITC, emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to innovative waste solutions: “From the beginning, ITC has focused on creating forward-thinking waste treatment strategies that benefit the communities we serve. This biorefinery is a reflection of that vision, and we are proud to work alongside WasteFuel and the Ankara municipality to bring this important project to life.”
The maritime industry is currently undergoing a major transformation toward more sustainable operations. WasteFuel highlights that green methanol has the potential to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 90%, helping shipping companies reduce their environmental impact and comply with tightening global emissions standards.