GE selected for coal-to-methanol project

Jiutai Group has selected GE’s high-pressure gasification technology for a coal-to-methanol factory expansion project in the Dalu New Area of Zhungeer Banner in Ordos, Inner Mongolia.

The company selected GE’s 8.7 megapascal, high-pressure gasification solution to enable the factory to boost methanol production to 1.5 million tons of coal-to-methanol annually, equating to a 100% increase in capacity. The solution is expected to reduce production costs by up to 11%, and will exceed China’s national energy efficiency rules that require industries to use more efficient, environmentally friendly technologies.

Coal to chemical

“GE’s high-pressure gasification process solution gives us a cost-effective and cleaner way to produce more methanol to help us meet our growing customer demands while promoting local economic development and cleaner air in accordance with national coal-to-chemical policies,” explained Cui Lianguo, chairman of Jiutai Group.

GE’s system will enable Jiutai Group to use China’s local coal resources as the raw feedstock more efficiently. Operating at higher pressures allows increased production capacity, while reducing the company’s downstream process investment and operational expenses. By reducing the coal consumption at the factory, the technology can also help Jiutai Group lower overall emissions from the plant

“We are excited that Jiutai Group has selected our high-pressure gasification technology for its methanol expansion project as China’s industrial sector expands the use of cleaner coal-to-chemical applications to comply with national efficiency rules,” said Yang Dan, general manager of Power Generation China at GE Power & Water. “Our technology, supported by our industry leading local customer service team, offers important economic and environmental benefits that will help Jiutai Group enhance its position and overall competitiveness.”

Cleaner energy solutions

In 2012, GE announced the creation of its GE Shenhua Gasification Technology Company joint venture with the Shenhua Group to develop and deploy cleaner energy solutions in China, with a particular focus on coal.

GE Shenhua will supply the license for GE’s gasification technology, gasification process design package, technical services and key equipment at the project in Inner Mongolia. GE also supplied three model DH7JM compressors to be used for polyethylene and polypropylene production.

Commercial production at the expanded methanol facility is expected in 2016.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/27112013/ge_coal_methanol_project_301/