Guangdong Liquid Sunshine has chosen Johnson Matthey (JM) as its technology partner for a landmark commercial-scale biomethanol project in Tiandong County, Guangxi—signalling another step in China’s fast-expanding green fuels race.
The partnership, which also includes East China Engineering Science and Technology Co. (ECEC), extends beyond a single plant. The three organisations have signed on to jointly pursue future project opportunities, strengthening a broader alliance aimed at scaling low-carbon fuel production.
China’s latest Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) places green fuels such as methanol, ammonia, and sustainable aviation fuel at the centre of its industrial strategy. The country is rapidly expanding methanol capacity as it pushes to cut reliance on imported oil and gas and position itself as a global leader in low-carbon shipping fuels and chemicals.
The Guangxi facility is designed as a flagship demonstration site, integrating advanced gasification systems and renewable power technologies. JM will supply its methanol synthesis technology, which converts gasified biomass waste into biomethanol.
When completed, the project’s first phase—construction expected to begin later this year—will deliver an annual output of 75,000 tonnes of biomethanol.
A second phase is already being planned, pending approval. It will capture excess carbon dioxide from the initial plant and combine it with electrolytic hydrogen to produce e-methanol, a key e-fuel for emerging global mandates, including in Europe. The expansion would increase low-carbon methanol production without requiring additional biomass feedstock.
JM’s technology converts syngas from a range of feedstocks, including waste biomass, into methanol. The company says its proprietary synthesis loop and high-performance catalyst are already proven at industrial scale, delivering long-term operational efficiency.
“Johnson Matthey has worked in China for more than 30 years with the country’s largest, most successful energy and chemical producers. We’re excited to be a part of Liquid Sunshine’s plans and this project represents our second green methanol plant license win in China.
“Our world-leading methanol synthesis technology will play an increasingly vital role as the site eventually integrates biomethanol with e-methanol production. Once operational, this refinery will help meet the growing demand for fuel and energy security in the marine industry.”
Liquid Sunshine executive president Xi Jiang said the project comes at a pivotal moment for China’s energy transition.
“The renewable energy and chemical industries are entering a critical phase of accelerated growth here in China. We are delighted to have JM’s technical expertise on board, as we develop a world-class biomethanol plant.
“For us, this collaboration marks an important starting point for deeper partnerships with global technology leaders, such as JM, enabling both parties to actively explore domestic and international green energy markets and foster innovation.”
The project is being developed by Guangdong Liquid Sunshine in partnership with the Tiandong County People’s Government and China Coal Guangxi New Energy, with ECEC serving as a key engineering partner.
Separately, JM, Liquid Sunshine, and ECEC have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on future projects, aiming to build a long-term strategic alliance focused on decarbonisation technologies in China.
