Ethiopia Power-to-Methanol | Solarbelt FairFuel gGmbH
Clean Energy Transition
Information
Company Description
Project development company investing in sustainable fuel projects in countries of the Global South. Developed and commissioned the world's first semi-industrial Power-to-Liquid plant in Germany.
Countries of Operation
Germany; Ethiopia; Kenya; Nigeria
Ownership of Company
European Company
Number of years since incorporated
7
Project Pitch
Solarbelt proposes the development of a first-of-a-kind (FOAK) renewable e-methanol facility in Ethiopia, converting biogenic CO₂ from sugar production and renewable electricity into green methanol for international shipping and chemical markets. The project leverages pre-fabricated modular technologies and equipment that can be deployed efficiently. The concept builds on Ethiopia’s unique combination of large biogenic CO₂ sources from sugar mills, low renewable power prices and strategic export access, enabling the country to participate in the rapidly growing global market for renewable fuels.
The FOAK project will assess integration with selected sugar factories, capturing fermentation CO₂ and combining it with green hydrogen produced from renewable power. The resulting e-methanol would be exported to neighbouring African regions and Europe serving local Methanol markets and global green fuel demand. At this stage, the project is seeking alignment with Ethiopian private and public sector stakeholders and industrial partners. The initiative aims to demonstrate a replicable industrial model that can unlock new export revenues, create skilled jobs, and position Ethiopia as a future supplier of renewable fuels to international markets.
Team
The project is led by the Solarbelt team together with its international partners, bringing experience in renewable fuels, energy infrastructure development, and cross-border project collaboration. Solarbelt coordinates the project concept, partnership development, and early-stage structuring. A German-renowned modular methanol synthesis technology provider supports the technical concept, offering scalable systems designed for distributed renewable methanol production. The initiative is supported and backed by the International PtX Hub and GIZ, which facilitate stakeholder engagement, knowledge exchange, and the development of sustainable Power-to-X value chains in partner countries on behalf of the German government.
Type of Project
Private company project
Stage
Growth stage
Annual Revenue (in EUR)
1.000.000 - 5.000.000 EUR
Number of employees
1-10
Total Project Cost (in EUR)
65.000.000
Financing needs (in EUR)
65.000.000
Type of financing needed
Equity; Grant
The Company is looking for
- Joint Venture/Partnership
- Clients for my products/services
- Partners to distribute my products
- Relevant State Ministries
Planned allocation of fundraising capital
PPP (Public-Private Partnership)