Two scientists, Lim Kang Hui and Haw Kok Giap, are addressing the maritime industry’s challenge of sustainable methanol production through their startup, CRecTech, founded in 2022. Their innovative catalyst technology aims to significantly reduce the costs and emissions associated with methanol production, focusing on creating affordable green methanol to meet the rising demand spurred by stricter environmental regulations.
CRecTech’s patented process could lower biomethanol production costs to around $200 per tonne, making it competitive with conventional methanol. Currently, green methanol is two to five times more expensive than fossil-fuel-based alternatives, which limits its adoption in the maritime sector. However, the global green methanol market is projected to grow significantly, driven by increasing regulatory pressures on shipping emissions.
The startup is in its pre-seed stage, having secured initial funding from various programs, including a $500,000 grant from the Breakthrough Energy Fellows. Looking ahead, CRecTech plans to develop a pilot system capable of producing 30 tonnes of methanol annually by 2025, with aspirations for larger-scale production facilities in Malaysia or Indonesia by 2028. The founders are optimistic about expanding their focus beyond maritime applications in the future, given methanol’s versatility in various industries.
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