China Launches First Biogas-to-Renewable Methanol Plant

(Daqing, Heilongjiang Province) China’s first plant converting biogas into renewable methanol began operations in October 2024 at PetroChina’s Daqing petrochemical complex. This marks a significant step in China’s efforts to harness biogas resources for renewable fuel production.

The project is a collaboration between PetroChina and an innovative partner specializing in generating biogas from animal waste and crop residues. The renewable methanol produced at the facility has achieved ISCC EU certification—the first of its kind in China.

Located in Daqing, China’s largest oil and gas production center, the facility also benefits from rich local biomass resources. Phase one of the project includes the construction of 20 biogas production units; three are already operational, and the remaining 17 are under construction. Once complete in 2026, the plant is expected to produce 40,000 tons of renewable methanol annually.

Biogas-to-methanol conversion offers a promising pathway for renewable fuel development in China.