The Department of Energy at the PMO is committed to a competitive downstream industry, Deputy Minister (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohamad Azmi bin Haji Mohd Hanifah said, noting Brunei Methanol Company Sdn Bhd’s (BMC) 2006 establishment was a breakthrough into higher-value products. He said the methanol industry is integral to the energy transition, incorporating renewables to produce low-carbon methanol for cleaner products, including marine fuels.
Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohamad Azmi as the guest of honour, also highlighted the nation’s aim for sustainable growth during the Sustainable Methanol Forum held on September 11, marking BMC’s 15th year of commercial operations. It gathered leaders to discuss methanol’s role in Brunei’s energy transition and economic diversification, aligning with the Economic Blueprint and Brunei Vision 2035.
BMC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jesús Enrique Mora Marin highlighted methanol as a future green energy solution. He noted a key challenge is cutting emissions. Since the true feedstocks for methanol are carbon dioxide and hydrogen, captured carbon dioxide can be reused, turning waste into a valuable product. He added that methanol is a practical, stable carrier for hydrogen, suitable for shipping. While green methanol is currently costly, costs are expected to decline as technology improves.
Methanol significantly contributes to Brunei s downstream sector and job creation, aligning with Brunei Vision 2035. Opportunities exist to produce bio- and e-methanol for low-carbon marine and aviation fuels.
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company (MGC) outlined its plan to help Brunei transition to a circular economy. Its Carbopath™ Circular-Carbon platform aims to capture carbon dioxide and waste to produce methanol. MGC is establishing fuel supply chains as the marine fuel market emerges, with around 400 methanol-fuelled ships ordered, positioning BMC as a low-carbon solutions hub.
Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), through its Centre for Advanced Material and Energy Sciences (CAMES), is researching carbon dioxide utilisation and catalyst development. UBD has an MoU with BMC for sustainable methanol from carbon dioxide feedstock, aiming to pioneer conversion technologies and prepare skilled graduates. HIF Global Executive Manager and Project Director Adam Alderman shared pioneering work in e-fuels, including e-methanol, made from renewable energy and captured carbon dioxide. He said the market is projected to grow, essential for decarbonising transport.
Asia Pacific Energy Solutions (APES) Principal Solar PV Consultant of EOGC Peder Elfving highlighted using solar PV and imported hydro to free up natural gas for high-value exports. He proposed solar power by day, imported hydro by night, and gas as flexible backup. Floating PV on reservoirs offers a scalable option to ensure a stable, low-cost grid.
S&P Global Executive Director Sukanya Boonneung said the low-carbon methanol market faces high costs but is driven by demand, especially for marine bunker fuel. She noted the strongest growth opportunity is marine fuel. Regulatory frameworks and carbon pricing are vital to making low-carbon methanol commercially viable.
Lloyd’s Register Global Head, Energy Transition Advisory Jack Spiros Pringle outlined how global and regional regulations, including from the IMO and EU, are driving demand for low-carbon marine fuels. With 394 methanol-capable vessels in service, Brunei’s proximity to Singapore’s bunkering hub creates strategic opportunities.
Arete Solutions Sdn Bhd Managing Director Shaji Krishnan outlined BMC’s ESG initiatives, including an ESG framework and an artificial intelligence-enabled platform ‘Ecodrisil’ to analyse Scope 1,2, and 3 emissions. He highlighted social achievements, including local employment and surpassing 10 million man-hours without lost time injuries. The forum concluded with a call for a whole-of-nation effort to strengthen collaboration in advancing low-carbon technologies and sustainable methanol production, supporting Brunei Vision 2035.
