DNV, a renowned independent energy expert and assurance provider, has launched a pioneering public tender portal for the procurement of e-methanol across the European Union and the United Kingdom.
This initiative, accessible through the DNV website, connects e-methanol producers with industrial buyers in the EU and UK, establishing a new channel to secure stable, long-term supplies of this important low-carbon energy source.
Rising demand for clean energy carriers
As the pace of the global energy transition accelerates, there is an increasing need for sustainable energy carriers that can help reduce emissions in challenging sectors such as maritime transport, heavy industry, and aviation. E-methanol stands out among e-fuels as a technically developed, scalable, and economically viable option.
Produced from renewable hydrogen and captured biogenic carbon, it aids compliance with significant European regulatory frameworks like RED III, Fit for 55, EU ETS, ReFuelEU Aviation, and FuelEU Maritime, furthering the International Maritime Organization's decarbonisation objectives.
Meeting European targets
These developments are occurring amid biofuel feedstock limitations and stricter regulations
Across Europe, the importance of renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) continues to rise, becoming central to national decarbonisation strategies. Several countries, including Germany, Spain, France, and Belgium, are implementing or proposing blending mandates that surpass EU-level targets, sometimes doubling or quadrupling the minimum requirements.
These developments are occurring amid biofuel feedstock limitations and stricter regulations, which contribute to higher prices and tighter supply, underscoring the necessity for alternative renewable fuels to meet both national and regional goals. Yet, challenges in sourcing reliable and verifiable supply persist as barriers in the market.
Securing long-term supply agreements
To address these challenges, DNV, acting on behalf of a European e-methanol producer, has organised a transparent and competitive tender designed to secure long-term offtake agreements for forthcoming RFNBO-certified volumes throughout the EU and UK.
This tender allows companies to secure reliable, price-stable, and regulation-compliant supply chains, ensuring predictability and alignment with prospective fuel mandates while mitigating compliance risks. It is open to industrial users, maritime firms, traders, and other organisations dedicated to net-zero targets and sustainable sourcing.
Innovative tender process
The two-stage tender process includes an initial non-binding qualification phase to identify offtakers
"The technology for e-methanol exists, but the market mechanisms to scale it are still forming," said Santiago Blanco, Vice-President and Regional Director at DNV.
"By launching this tender, we are applying our neutral expertise to de-risk the procurement process for both producers and offtakers. This is about turning ambition into actionable supply agreements and accelerating the fuel transition in Europe."
The two-stage tender process includes an initial non-binding qualification phase to identify serious potential offtakers, followed by direct negotiations between shortlisted parties and the producer.
Certification and flexible production
This structured tender approach boosts confidence among participants and aids in establishing e-methanol as a commercially viable commodity. The offered product will comply entirely with RED III and the Delegated Acts governing RFNBO certification, maintaining certification from the start of the project.
Production is planned to commence with flexible delivery options for offtakers throughout the EU and UK, targeting a start date in the second half of 2028. Firms interested in e-methanol procurement and participation in the tender can obtain further details and access the tender portal through the DNV website.
