The demonstration of an innovative e-methanol process is the focus of the POSEIDON project, which involves designing, building, and testing an advanced prototype plant converting carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen (H2), and renewable power into synthetic methanol. This cutting-edge prototype set to produce 500 litres of renewable e-methanol per day is currently designed and built by ICODOS with the support of partner Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). One of its main advantages is that it combines several technologies into one (CO2 capture and e-methanol synthesis), which significantly reduces investment and operating costs by minimizing energy and equipment requirements.
Detailed engineering and construction
ICODOS completed the basic engineering study in March 2024, and since then has been working on detailed engineering. These steps include the identification of suppliers for each main equipment and the design of a 3D model of the plant (see photo), detailing the relative positions of the equipment and the modules that will house them. The engineering task was successfully concluded in the summer of 2025 marked by the completion of the final task dedicated to process control and automation. The digital twin developed by KIT has proven to be very useful in refining automation logic and ensuring optimized plant operation.
ICODOS has also made significant progress on the construction front. After adopting its construction strategy of the prototype at the end of the project’s first year, procurement activities are currently underway, and orders for all major equipment have been placed. In the first quarter of 2026, ICODOS expects to receive the final equipment and modules, that will enable it to complete the last stages of construction, including electrical, instrumentation, and piping work at its workshop in Germany.
