Thyssenkrupp Uhde Selected for Biomass-to-Methanol Project
Thyssenkrupp Uhde has been contracted by Halifax-based Nova Sustainable Fuels (NSF) to conduct an integration and optimization study for NSF's biomass-to-methanol project in Nova Scotia, Canada.
This pre-FEED study will quantify the key parameters of Uhde's integrated process, including solid-state gasification and methanol synthesis to produce over 450,000 tons of methanol per year from sustainable, wood-based biomass.
The project will combine Uhde's proven Prenflo solid-state gasification technology with the company's advanced methanol synthesis process. With Thyssenkrupp Uhde supplying both technologies from a single source, Nova Sustainable Fuels aims to validate the expected benefits in the overall integration of the system as well as the future bankability of the project. The study will provide a solid basis for future investment decisions and represents an important step towards sustainable fuel production in Canada.
NSF plans to produce two low-carbon fuels that are critical to the decarbonization of the transportation sector: sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable methanol. These fuels will be produced in a fully integrated clean energy system that combines over 1 GW of renewable electricity from NSF's planned solar and wind farms, local sustainable biomass, and water.
Renewable methanol will help decarbonize shipping while serving as a versatile, low-carbon building block for other products such as sustainable aviation fuel and chemicals. Construction of the NSF project is expected to commence in 2028 once all necessary approvals have been obtained, with operations scheduled to start in 2031. The first environmental permit was granted in December 2025.
Nadja Håkansson, Member of the Executive Board / COO of Thyssenkrupp Decarbon Technologies & CEO of Thyssenkrupp Uhde, emphasized the strategic importance of the study: “Decarbonizing chemicals and fuels is one of the defining challenges of our time, and it’s one we care deeply about. Sustainable methanol has a vital role to play in creating a cleaner energy and industrial future. At Thyssenkrupp Uhde, we’re proud to contribute decades of experience and integrated solutions to help turn this vision into reality. Partnering with Nova Sustainable Fuels on this forward-thinking initiative is a meaningful step for us toward a low-carbon future.”
“We are thrilled to be working with Thyssenkrupp Uhde, whose team brings substantial experience and a proven track record of delivering complex projects,” said Andrew Parsons, Project Director for NSF. “Their involvement strengthens our project and reinforces our confidence in its long-term success. This collaboration is a significant step forward and underscores the momentum we’re building.”
Proven Technologies, Global Experience
With decades of experience in reformer technologies, solid-state gasification processes, and the integration of green hydrogen, Thyssenkrupp Uhde is driving innovation for sustainable industrial transformation. The company's Prenflo PDQ solid-state gasification technology is renowned for its efficiency and flexibility, enabling the conversion of a wide range of feedstocks into syngas for downstream chemical production.
As part of Thyssenkrupp’s broader commitment to the energy transition, Uhde is offering solutions for low-carbon chemicals such as green methanol or ammonia, supporting customers worldwide in building resilient and sustainable value chains. Offering world-leading technologies and project execution from a single source, Uhde stands at its customers’ side to develop projects from the first idea to a complete production plant.
