China exploring methanol fuel despite toxicity, incompatibility concerns; fuel stations planned in four provinces

In China, a methanol industry executive has called for the development of a national standard for methanol fuel, despite the toxicity of the fuel and its incompatibility with most engine technologies.Yue Guo, deputy general manager of Shenhua Coal Liquefaction Co. Ltd., said at the 3rd China Advanced Coal Chemical Summit, that methanol holds more potential than ethanol or dimethyl ether (DME). Ingestion of the fuel, even through the skin, can cause nausea and vomiting, or blindness in high doses. The country produces 50 million tons of methanol annually, and methanol fuel stations are under development in Shanxi, Shaanxi, Heilongjiang and Henan.

Free Subscription to the Daily Biofuels Digest e-newsletter

Related Stories

Methanol Institute lays out the case for methanol fuel

The Energy Tribune ran an article by John Lynn of the Methanol Institute, which outlines that groups vision for the prospects and opportunities with methanol fuels. Methanol has been a controversial f...

China plans to expand jatropha cultivation by 1000%, targets Yunnan, Sichuan and Guizhou provinces

In China, jatropha cultivation will be expanded from 66,000 acres to 660,000 acres. The expansion is planned for Yunnan, Sichuan and Guizhou provinces, which have the most suitable climate for jatroph...

China outlines farm subsidy program for biofuels; up to $403 per hectare in supports

In China, Ministry of Finance finalized a farm subsidy plan for biofuels, which will take effect in 2008. Subsidies of $403.5 per hectare per year will be provided except for plantings in forested are...

Volvo calls for fewer biofuels; says too many fuels will result in parts incompatibility, refueling problems

The president of Volvo Europe said that biofuels need to be more focused. He said it was impractical for the auto industry to support multiple feedstocks using multiple processes to produce at least s...

China fuel shortage crisis escalates; one killed in riot

In China, fuel riots have begun because of shortages. The shortages are affecting Shanghai, the southeast coastal provinces, and are spreading to the interior. Diesel is fixed-priced at $2.42 in China...

Daimler, Bayer and Archer Daniels Midland to pursue jatropha-based biodiesel in research effort

In Germany, Daimler, Archer Daniels Midland, and Bayer CropScience have announced a project to develop production and quality standards for Jatropha-based biodiesel. Bayer CropScience intends to de...