Maire Tecnimont to study biomethane production from waste wood

Maire Tecnimont announced on July 11 its subsidiary NextChem had secured a contract from Storengy to study the production of biomethane through the pyrogasification of waste wood.

The advanced basic engineering study will focus on the development of a waste wood and solid recovered fuel conversion plant in Le Havre, France. Pending permitting, a final investment decision on the project is expected by the end of the year. NextChem and another Maire Tecnimont subsidiary will act as engineering, procurement and construction contractor.

NextChem will assess the engineering work and cost estimates for the syngas purification, methanation unit and methane upgrading at the plant, which will produce 11,000 metric tons of biomethane annually. French firm COMESSA will handle the design and supply of the chemical reactor.

Maire Tecnimont noted that the technology that will be used at the plant has already been applied at the Gaya pilot plant near Lyon, owned by Storengy's parent Engie.

NextChem and Storengy are also establishing a broader cooperation agreement, under which the former will serve as a strategy partner, co-developer and co-licensor of the Gaya technology, which is patented and owned by Engie.