French group Haffner Energy has entered the North American market through an agreement with California-based developer OroCarbo to supply SYNOCA® gasification modules for a 100-tonne-per-day biomethanol project. The facility, to be located near Oroville, will use local agricultural and forestry residues as feedstock.
Two combined technologies for a single site
The project will be built around two 20-megawatt (MW) SYNOCA® modules developed by Haffner Energy, which will convert biomass into synthesis gas (syngas). This syngas will then be processed into biomethanol using conversion technology provided by Maverick Synfuels, the project’s technology partner. Both systems will be integrated at a single location, enabling the large-scale conversion of local biomass.
The initial stage of the partnership focuses on a carbon intensity (CI) study of the project, to be conducted by US-based AmSpec, a specialist in inspection and laboratory testing services. This independent evaluation will determine the environmental performance of the future biomethanol fuel.
Strategic location in an agricultural basin
The Oroville region, located at the intersection of California’s Central Valley farmland and the Sierra Nevada foothills, offers direct access to large volumes of forest residues from fire prevention operations and agricultural waste from the area’s orchards. This abundant local biomass ensures a reliable feedstock supply for the plant.
Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, OroCarbo aims to develop profitable industrial solutions for underused biomass. The biomethanol output is intended primarily for the maritime transport and chemical industries, two high-demand markets along the US West Coast.
Commissioning planned for early 2028
The production unit is scheduled to be commissioned at the beginning of 2028. Haffner Energy sees this contract as the first step in expanding its presence in the North American market, a strategic growth area for its biomass conversion technologies.
According to the agreement, collaboration among the three companies will intensify as the project progresses, particularly during engineering and system integration phases. No financial details have been disclosed regarding the total value of the deal.
