The Horizon Europe UP-TO-ME project (GA no 101083323, UKRI grant No 10063697) is pioneering a ground-breaking approach to decentralised Power-to-Methanol production, specifically targeting hard-to-electrify applications like marine vessels. UP-TO-ME is developing a fully automated, self-learning, and self-optimising Power-to-Methanol plant that utilises CO₂ and locally available renewable energy, making small-scale methanol production economically competitive for the first time.
Contributing to circular economy goals
The project aims to significantly contribute to the EU's 2050 net-zero goals by capturing and utilising CO2 from decentralised point sources (e.g., from sewage sludge biogas) to produce renewable fuels. The patented process reduces energy requirements by 30% compared to conventional amine-based technologies and operates without additional solvent for CO2. Beyond producing renewable methanol, the technology also upgrades biogas to biomethane and produces pure oxygen as valuable byproducts, fostering a circular economy model.
Highlights from the 1st Innovation Workshop
On June 23rd, 2025, project partner Isle Utilities successfully hosted the 1st Innovation Workshop of the UP-TO-ME project online, featuring insightful contributions by partners KIT and VTT.
After introducing the UP-TO-ME proof-of-concept plant, KIT presented its intelligent automation system. The developed framework includes process control, monitoring and optimisation systems to allow for dynamic, unmanned operation of the plant.
Following that, VTT showcased the 3D-printed methanol synthesis reactors and printed structured packings for CO2 separation and methanol distillation, developed with a combination of additive and traditional manufacturing.
The project aims to significantly contribute to the EU's 2050 net-zero goals by capturing and utilising CO2 from decentralised point sources (e.g., from sewage sludge biogas) to produce renewable fuels
This workshop was specifically designed to connect UP-TO-ME project innovators with valued external experts to gather relevant feedback and critical insights to help innovators address sector challenges and effectively upscale UP-TO-ME technology and innovations, accelerating market adoption and replication.
The workshop underscored the project's commitment to ensuring its innovative solutions are not only technically sound but also strategically positioned for rapid market integration and widespread impact.
Dr Blanca Antizar, Director at Isle, emphasized, “UP-TO-ME stands as a powerful example of the circular economy in action. By pioneering a ground-breaking approach to converting decentralized CO₂ from sources like sewage sludge biogas into renewable methanol and biomethane, the project is not only reducing reliance on fossil fuels but also transforming waste into valuable resources. The innovation workshops we organize create a forum for co-understanding, co-design, and co-creation. They ensure that UP-TO-ME’s technologies are not only technically sound, but also strategically positioned for rapid market integration by gathering critical insights from external experts and facilitating collaborative innovation.”
What’s next?
On October 15-16th, 2025, UP-TO-ME project partners will come together for the final General Assembly meeting in Valencia (Spain) at Global Omnium headquarters. Alongside the Consortium meeting, Isle Utilities will host the 2nd Innovation Workshop of the project with the participation of external sector experts, with the aim of implementing a process of co-understanding, co-design and co-creation of knowledge among UP-TO-ME innovators and relevant stakeholders.
About UP-TO-ME
UP-TO-ME (Unmanned Power-to-Methanol Production) is a EU-funded project under the Horizon European programme (GA no 101083323, UKRI grant No 10063697). This project is taking on the great challenge of converting decentralised CO₂ point sources to production sites for renewable fuels with the aim of significantly impacting the global journey to a net-zero EU economy. UP-TO-ME is a collaborative initiative involving 7 European partners, bringing together diverse expertise in process technologies, material science, automation, and advanced modeling.
Partners of the UP-TO-ME Consortium include: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Global Omnium, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), cloudfluid, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), ICODOS and ISLE.
