Emvolon, an MIT spin-off focused on converting greenhouse gas emissions into carbon-negative fuels and chemicals, has announced a partnership with Montauk Renewables, Inc. (NASDAQ:MNTK), a company specializing in the recovery and conversion of biogas from waste into renewable natural gas. Utilizing Emvolon’s patented technology, the initial pilot project will demonstrate the commercial-scale recovery and conversion of biogas into green methanol at Montauk’s renewable gas production site located at a landfill in Humble, Texas.
Emvolon’s innovative approach repurposes car engines into modular chemical plants that convert methane from biogas into liquid green chemicals and fuels, including green methanol and ammonia. These carbon-negative products can be easily transported in standard truck containers to sectors with hard-to-abate emissions, such as maritime and aviation. This collaboration offers Montauk a cost-effective way to monetize flared tail gas resources without the need for expensive pipeline infrastructure, simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with incinerated resources.
“Following the successful demonstration of our technology at our 5,000 square-foot facility in Massachusetts, we are now focused on scaling up green methanol production,” stated Dr. Emmanuel Kasseris, CEO of Emvolon. “We’re excited to launch this pilot with Montauk, a leader in renewable energy development, and to help transform biogas from landfills into valuable carbon-negative fuels and chemicals. Our technology bypasses reliance on oil pipelines, significantly reducing deployment costs and implementation timelines.”
The pilot aims to produce up to 15,300 gallons of green methanol annually, with the potential for a full-scale commercial system capable of generating up to 2,400,000 gallons per year at similar sites.
Sean McClain, CEO of Montauk, remarked, “For over 30 years, we have specialized in the recovery and processing of biogas from landfills and other non-fossil fuel sources. Partnering with Emvolon allows us to leverage our expertise as one of the largest U.S. producers of renewable natural gas and enhance the suite of beneficial products derived from biogas, thereby supporting the economic vitality of our environmental stewardship projects.”
About Emvolon
Founded in 2021 and launched from MIT, Emvolon is dedicated to helping hard-to-abate industries such as agriculture, aviation, energy, maritime, and waste management operate sustainably without emissions. The company’s patented technology converts greenhouse gas emissions into carbon-negative fuels and chemicals like green methanol and ammonia, using mass-produced automotive engines as modular chemical plants.
