Northwest Innovation pauses work on Tacoma methanol plant

NW Innovation Works proposes to construct a two-phased, $3.4 billion gas-to-methanol plant at the Port of Tacoma. The plant will include up to four methanol production lines, each with a production capacity of 5,000 metric tons per day

Northwest Innovation Works (NWIW) announced it is temporarily suspending the permitting process for its $3.4 billion Tacoma-area methanol plant. “In response to public concerns, Northwest Innovation Works has asked the City of Tacoma to pause the environmental review of our proposed methanol plant in Tacoma,” the company said in a statement.

NWIW’s goal is to build a local industry that contributes to the economy and protects the environment by reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. NWIW’s use of new clean technology provides an exciting opportunity for Washington and Oregon to become world leaders in addressing climate change through innovation by producing methanol and the products we use every day in a more environmentally responsible way. The Pacific Northwest’s dedication to environmental protection is one of the reasons NWIW chose this region for its facilities. “Given these objectives, we have been surprised by the tone and substance of the vocal opposition that has emerged in Tacoma. To force a facility on a community that does not welcome it would not be consistent with our goals. Therefore, we have decided to pause the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental review process in Tacoma,” the company added.

The company will use the next several months to engage the Tacoma community in further dialogue. “This will provide us an opportunity to share more details about our proposed project, discuss the environmental and safety procedures we are planning, and hear directly from the public about their concerns, as well as receive input on further innovations,” it said.

NW Innovation Works proposes to construct a two-phased, $3.4 billion gas-to-methanol plant at the Port of Tacoma. The plant will include up to four methanol production lines, each with a production capacity of 5,000 metric tons per day, for a total of 20,000 metric tons per day. At the peak of construction, the project will create up to 1,000 jobs. Once operational, the facility will employ approximately 260 full-time managers and workers, providing family wages plus benefits.

The plant will utilize ultra-low emissions (ULE) reforming technology, which will emit substantially lower greenhouse gas and other air pollutants compared to conventional technologies for reforming natural gas to methanol.

The facility is planned for the former Kaiser property, returning the site to productive use for industrial manufacturing that generates jobs and local revenue. Nearby facilities include Schnitzer Steel, Targa Sound Terminals, and Port of Tacoma breakbulk- and containerized cargo facilities. The Port of Tacoma approved a lease agreement with NW Innovation Works in May 2014, allowing the permitting processes with the appropriate regulatory agencies to begin.