World’s first large-scale E-methanol plant launched in Aabenraa

The Kassø e-methanol facility, the world’s first commercial-scale plant dedicated to the production of e-methanol, has officially commenced operations in southern Denmark. Developed by European Energy in partnership with Mitsui & Co., Ltd.., the facility is now delivering e-methanol to major industrial customers, including A.P. Moller – Maersk, the LEGO Group, and Novo Nordisk.
The facility is operated under Solar Park Kassø ApS, owned by Kassø MidCo ApS—where European Energy holds a 51% stake and Mitsui & Co. owns the remaining 49%. With an annual production capacity of 42,000 tonnes, the plant is powered entirely by renewable energy, primarily sourced from the adjacent 304 MW Kassø Solar Park, the largest solar installation in Northern Europe.

The Kassø plant integrates green hydrogen production with carbon capture technology, using biogenic CO₂ to create e-methanol with a reported carbon footprint up to 97% lower than traditional fossil-based methanol. This model is designed to support the decarbonisation of sectors that are difficult to electrify directly, such as shipping and chemical manufacturing.

A.P. Moller – Maersk will use the facility’s output to fuel Laura Mærsk, the world’s first container vessel powered by. Other offtakers, including the LEGO Group and Novo Nordisk, plan to incorporate e-methanol into select production processes, helping to reduce reliance on fossil-based inputs in materials and pharmaceuticals.
Knud Erik Andersen, CEO of European Energy, said the launch represents a major milestone in scaling Power-to-X technologies:

 “This is renewable electricity being converted into a usable fuel. Kassø demonstrates how the energy transition can take shape in real industrial applications.”
Takashi Furutani, Senior Executive Managing Officer at Mitsui & Co., emphasized the project’s global relevance:

 “Kassø exemplifies how international cooperation can help scale solutions that contribute to a lower-carbon future.”The LEGO Group plans to use e-methanol to produce selected elements, such as cross axles and connectors, by the end of the year. Carsten Rasmussen, COO at the LEGO Group, said the partnership aligns with the company’s carbon reduction goals while maintaining product quality and safety.

Novo Nordisk sees the initiative as a step toward lowering emissions within its supply chain.

 “This collaboration allows us to implement practical changes that support our environmental commitments,” said Dorethe Nielsen, Vice President of Corporate Environmental Strategy.