1st Middle East Methanol Forum Highlights Methanol Role in Global Economy

Doha, November 26 (QNA) - The first Middle East Methanol Forum (MEMF) organised by Qatar Fuel Additives Company Limited (QAFAC) effectively showcased the wide-ranging benefits of the use and application of methanol. The Forum, whose key theme was "Miracle Energy on Hand (MeOH)", was held on Wednesday, 26 November 2014 at the Sharq Village in Doha, Qatar and in which around 180 global industry executives and senior government officials participated. In order to provide participants with background information about Methanol, a special video presentation on "The History of Methanol", courtesy of Johnson Matthey, was conducted. After that, Chief Operating Officer of QAFAC Khalid Al Hitmi, gave a briefing about "QAFAC Overview and CO2 Recovery Plant". During one of the panel discussions on "Making the Case for Oxygenates in the GCC", Chief Executive Officer of Salalah Methanol Company LLC in Oman Awadh Hassan Al-Shanfari pointed out that Oman is reviewing fuel blending standards and regulations in the country, considering methanol blending in gasoline. Chairman of Oorja Protonics Inc. and General Partner at Focus Ventures, United States, James Boettcher, noted in his presentation that methanol’s use in cooking and heating is especially important as a replacement for the indoor burning of wood, charcoal, coal, etc., which can cause serious health problems. He also presented how Oorja uses methanol to provide enough power to supplement or supplant diesel generator sets and batteries in target markets and applications. "Direct methanol fuel cells contains non-explosive liquid that are user-friendly, easily transportable, and costs less for stationary or mobile storage," Boettcher said. "Thus, it can deliver better ROIs in logistics applications versus extra batteries, charging stations, and battery replacement. In addition, methanol fuel cells deliver lower TCO/LCOE (transparent conductive oxide and levelized cost of electricity) than diesel generator sets or H2 fuel cells in off-grid locations such as telecom base stations." As far as the use of methanol as marine fuels is concerned, Project Manager for Methanol Adaptation at Wartsila Sweden, Toni Stojcevski, revealed that some of the conclusions derived from using methanol in the diesel process of marine engines include: engine output and efficiency is equal to diesel engine; significant reduction of NOx and particulate matter as compared to diesel; life span of major engine components will be similar or even better than the diesel engine; and that no change in oil change intervals are expected. "Using Wartsilas technology, adaptation of proven engine technology (GD), require minor modification to the engine, there is no reduction in efficiency or output running on methanol, existing fuel and ballast tanks can be converted to methanol tanks, there is lower thermic load on the engine, and much lower NOx, SOx, GHG and PM (particulates) makes it safe for future ECA regulations," Stojcevski explained. "The ZAL40S test engines have been running 100 hours on methanol with positive results. Thus, the Stena Germanica vessel will be going to the shipyard on January 28 (2015). During the conversion process, the bunkering line, tanks, pump room, pumps, piping, automation upgrade, and one engine conversion will take place and enable it to be the first-ever ship operating on methanol by the end of March." The other presentations at the Forum included that of Mr. Mike Nash, Global Director, Syngas Chemicals, IHS, United Kingdom, who spoke about the "Effective Monetization of Natural Gas Assets"; "Market Perspectives: The China Question" was delivered by Mr. Khai Zhao, Deputy Director, Academic Board Office of the Peking Universitys Center for Global New Energy Strategy Studies (CGNESS). Mr. Zhao also serves as an Advisor to the China Association of Alcohol & Ether Clean Fuel and Automobiles (CAAEFA). Additionally, Mr. Abdulrahman Ali Al-Abdulla, Chief Executive Officer of Muntajat, elaborated on the topic, "Global Ambitions: The Vision to Expand Qatars Chemical and Petrochemical Industry Worldwide." (QNA)