thyssenkrupp Uhde Selected for Biomass-to-Methanol Technology Integration Study for Nova Sustainable Fuels in Canada

(thyssenkrupp Uhde) Planned capacity: 450,000 metric tons of bio-methanol; Uhde’s high-efficiency PRENFLO gasifier and advanced methanol synthesis technology

thyssenkrupp Uhde has been awarded a contract by Halifax-based Nova Sustainable Fuels (NSF) to perform an integration and optimization study for NSF’s biomass-to-methanol project in Nova Scotia, Canada. This study will quantify the value of thyssenkrupp Uhde’s integrated process, including both gasification and methanol synthesis for the production of over 450,000 metric tons of methanol per year using sustainable woody biomass as feedstock.

The project will leverage Uhde’s proven PRENFLO gasification technology combined with Uhde’s advanced methanol synthesis process. With thyssenkrupp Uhde providing both the gasification and methanol synthesis technology, NSF looks to validate assumed benefits in both overall system integration and the future bankability of the project. The study aims to provide a solid basis for future investment decisions and represents a significant step toward sustainable fuel production in Canada.

NSF aims to produce two critical low-carbon fuels for decarbonizing the transportation sector: sustainable aviation fuel and renewable methanol. These fuels will be produced using a fully integrated clean-energy system that brings together over 1 GW of renewable electricity generated from NSF’s planned solar and wind farms, local sustainable biomass and water. Renewable methanol will help decarbonize the shipping industry and serve as a versatile, low-carbon building block for other products such as sustainable aviation fuel and chemicals. NSF’s construction is expected to commence in 2028 after all required permits have been obtained, and the project is expected to be operational in 2031. The project’s first environmental assessment approval was received in December 2025.

Nadja Håkansson, Member of the Executive Board / COO of thyssenkrupp Decarbon Technologies & CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde, emphasized the strategic importance of the study: “Decarbonizing chemicals and fuels is one of the defining challenges of our time, and it’s one we care deeply about. Sustainable methanol has a vital role to play in creating a cleaner energy and industrial future. At thyssenkrupp Uhde, we’re proud to contribute decades of experience and integrated solutions to help turn this vision into reality. Partnering with Nova Sustainable Fuels on this forward-thinking initiative is a meaningful step for us toward a low-carbon future.”

“We are thrilled to be working with thyssenkrupp Uhde, whose team brings substantial experience and a proven track record of delivering complex projects,” said Andrew Parsons, Project Director for NSF. “Their involvement strengthens our project and reinforces our confidence in its long-term success. This collaboration is a significant step forward and underscores the momentum we’re building.”

With decades of experience in reforming technologies, gasification processes, and green hydrogen integration, thyssenkrupp Uhde is driving innovation for sustainable industrial transformation. Its PRENFLO PDQ gasification technology is recognized for efficiency and flexibility, enabling the conversion of diverse feedstocks into synthesis gas for downstream chemical production.

As part of thyssenkrupp’s broader commitment to the energy transition, Uhde is offering solutions for low-carbon chemicals such as green methanol or ammonia, supporting customers worldwide in building resilient and sustainable value chains. Offering world-leading technologies and project execution from a single source, Uhde stands at their customer’s side to develop projects from first idea to complete production plant.

thyssenkrupp Uhde combines unique technological expertise and decades of global experience in the engineering, procurement, construction and service of chemical plants. We develop innovative processes and products for a more sustainable future and thus contribute to the long-term success of our customers in almost all areas of the chemical industry. Our portfolio includes leading technologies for the production of base chemicals, fertilizers and polymers as well as complete value-chains for green hydrogen and sustainable chemicals. www.thyssenkrupp-uhde.com

Nova Sustainable Fuels is pioneering the future of green transportation by harnessing renewable energy to create sustainable fuels. Headquartered in Halifax, Canada, Nova Sustainable Fuels is backed by Octopus Energy Generation. As one of Europe’s largest specialist renewables investors, Octopus manages 5 GW of green energy projects like wind and solar farms in over 21 countries. Nova Sustainable Fuels is bringing one of eastern Canada's most ambitious energy projects to life – developing over 1 GW of onshore renewable electricity generation and producing 165,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel annually. For more information, visit novasustainablefuels.com READ MORE