29 Jul 2025

Clariant Catalysts and Shanghai Electric launch alliance to advance China’s energy transition

Shanghai Electric’s biomass-to-green methanol plant in China, started up successfully using Clariant´s MegaMax^™ methanol synthesis catalysts
The project’s success has now evolved into a strategic cooperation agreement between Clariant and Shanghai Electric to foster China´s energy transition
Goal of the partnership is to facilitate and expand the production of green methanol, green ammonia, and sustainable aviation fuel in China

MUNICH, July 29, 2025 - Clariant, a sustainability-focused specialty chemical company, today announced that it has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Shanghai Boiler Works, a full subsidiary of Shanghai Electric, specializing in energy conversion and the development of new energy applications, to jointly foster innovation in sustainable energy solutions. The partners will combine their expertise to advance green energy projects in China. The agreement is the result of close and successful cooperation in Shanghai Electric’s new biomass-to-green methanol plant in Taonan, Jilin Province, China. In addition to supplying its MegaMax catalysts, Clariant provided technical on-site support during the successful startup of the 50,000 tons/y plant. The second phase of the project, with a capacity of 200,000 tons/y green methanol and 10,000 tons/y SAF, is expected to start production in 2027. The ceremony for the official signing of the partnership contract took place last week at the Clariant Innovation Center in Frankfurt, Germany.

Georg Anfang, Vice President at Clariant, commented, “We are proud to add China's first biomass to green methanol plant in Taonan to a strong series of facilities that are already producing green methanol with our high-performance MegaMax catalysts. As China is becoming one of the frontrunners in the energy transition, our strategic alliance with Shanghai Electric will further strengthen Clariant´s footprint as a key enabler to produce clean energy, chemicals, and fuels.”

Qiu Jiayou, Vice President at Shanghai Electric, added, “We are proud of the successful launch of our new project and are equally delighted about our strategic agreement with Clariant, a company which understands and shares our vision for the future. Our teams look forward to joining forces to develop exceptional, sustainable energy solutions for customers around the globe.”

Shanghai Electric is a global leader in industrial and energy solutions, specializing in power generation and transmission, intelligent manufacturing, and automation systems. The company leverages cutting-edge technological innovations to empower industries and deliver sustainable value.

The strategic cooperation agreement will unite Shanghai Electric’s process competence and plant design capabilities with Clariant’s catalyst expertise. The scope of the agreement includes collaborative research and development, engineering design services, supply of chemical equipment, and turnkey solutions. Clariant will share its extensive knowledge and advanced catalysts for producing green methanol, e-methanol, green ammonia, and sustainable aviation fuel, as well as for gas purification.

MegaMax^™ IS A TRADEMARK OF CLARIANT.

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Notes for editors

www.clariant.com

Clariant is a focused specialty chemical company led by the overarching purpose of “Greater chemistry – between people and planet.” By connecting customer focus, innovation, and people, the company creates solutions to foster sustainability in different industries. On 31 December 2024, Clariant totaled a staff number of 10 465 and recorded sales of CHF 4.152 billion in the fiscal year for its continuing businesses. Since January 2023, the Group conducts its business through the three Business Units Care Chemicals, Catalysts, and Adsorbents & Additives. Clariant is based in Switzerland.

www.clariant.com/catalysts

Building on a 165-year history, Clariant Catalysts is a global and independent manufacturer of energy-efficient catalyst technologies shaping a sustainable future for the chemical industry. We create greater chemistry – between people and planet – by helping to decarbonize our customers’ production processes and scaling up the transition toward zero-emission chemicals and fuels. Through our exceptional R&D and established expertise, our broad portfolio of catalysts and adsorbents provides innovative solutions that range from the oil and gas to the plastic sectors. With more than 2 000 employees at 31 locations, our high-performing teams collaborate with partners and customers across our global footprint.

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