TANDEM: Towards Acceleration aNd Demonstration of E-Methanol

Bright Renewables, a division of the HoSt Group, is implementing the TANDEM (Towards Acceleration aNd Demonstration of E-Methanol) project. TANDEM is a major R&D project focused on developing a 1 MW Balance of Plant E-methanol system. HyGear will provide the PEM electrolyser and install the system at their research site. The University of Twente (UT) is using a laboratory-scale twin-test reactor to investigate the system’s heat exchange characteristics.

TANDEM: objectives and actions

TANDEM’s objective is to deliver an E-methanol system that harnesses biogenic CO₂ produced on a decentralised basis, alongside locally generated renewable energy. TANDEM will conduct real-world demonstrations to validate the system and the principle of E-methanol produced on a decentralised basis.

Due to its scalability and dynamic features, TANDEM opted to use LOGIC reactor technology. The LOGIC (Liquid Out Gas In Concept) reactor harnesses the synergy between reaction, heat transfer, and natural convection flow to synthesise methanol at moderate temperature and pressure. The reactor has a much lower energy requirement. Thanks to its design, where every stage of the process takes place in a single vessel, it is ideal for applications at decentralised scale within the scope of TANDEM.

The LOGIC reactor can start up, shut down and operate at varying power levels. In this way, it is possible to store excess renewable energy for a longer period than is achievable with batteries.

Activities within TANDEM:

• Definitive system design and construction.
• SAT and initial methanol production (scheduled for late 2025).
• Validation of the system’s static base load and refinement of its dynamic characteristics.
• Bringing the second generation of the system to market.

The University of Twente will facilitate constant information sharing between the TANDEM reactor and its lab counterpart at every stage. This provides TANDEM with maximum flexibility to validate the reactor, demonstrate its capabilities, and test the fundamental physical effects for ongoing development.

This is the TANDEM consortium

The consortium behind TANDEM comprises the HoSt Group, Bright Renewables, Hygear, and the University of Twente.