Renewable fuel producer WasteFuel is entering the Turkish market. The U.S.-based company has signed a preliminary agreement with the Turkish firm ITC to establish a green methanol biorefinery in Türkiye. Set to be operational by 2026, the facility will be the first of its kind in Anatolia and will process over 1.8 million tons of municipal waste annually.
David Trench, CEO of WasteFuel, stated, “By partnering with ITC, we will strengthen our global green fuel project portfolio. Green methanol is crucial for the near-term decarbonization of the transportation sector, and this project will help meet the growing global demand.”
Yavuz Kantur, General Manager of ITC, emphasized that the facility will be realized in collaboration with Ankara Metropolitan Municipality and WasteFuel. Once completed, Türkiye will become a key hub for sustainable marine fuel supply at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
One of the World’s Largest Green Methanol Facilities
According to a report by Kerim Ulker of Dunya, the WasteFuel-ITC partnership will establish one of the world’s largest green methanol plants. Located adjacent to ITC’s existing integrated waste management facility, the biorefinery will utilize biogas generated through anaerobic digestion and landfill gas collection.
Once operational, the green methanol produced at the facility will serve as a low-carbon fuel for the maritime industry. Research indicates that the global shipping sector will receive more than 300 methanol-powered container ships by 2030, driving the transition toward sustainable operations. Using green methanol as marine fuel could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%, enabling shipping companies to expand low-carbon transport solutions while complying with industry regulations.
WasteFuel’s Impact and Celebrity Connections
Founded by Trevor Neilson and Alejandro Estrada, WasteFuel specializes in converting municipal and agricultural waste into low-carbon fuels, including green methanol.
Neilson, the company’s chairman, is one of the most prominent figures in social research and consultancy in the U.S. His organization, the Global Philanthropy Group, has advised renowned celebrities such as Madonna, John Legend, Avril Lavigne, Miley Cyrus, and Eva Longoria, as well as brands like Gucci.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök