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170,000-tonnes-per-year reactor installed at China's Liaoyuan project signals a new and growing market for corrosion-resistant clad materials in renewable energy infrastructure.
Kopavogur, Iceland – July 23, 2026
Carbon Recycling International (CRI) has delivered and installed the world's largest e-methanol reactor at the Liaoyuan E-Methanol Project in Jilin Province, China. The reactor represents CRI's third-generation design and forms the core of its proprietary Emissions-to-Liquids (ETL) technology.
For manufacturers of clad plates, clad tube sheets, and clad dish heads, this project is a clear signal: green methanol production is scaling up, and with it comes demand for high-performance materials capable of handling the same harsh operating conditions found in conventional methanol synthesis—temperatures of 200-310°C, pressures of 40-100 bars, and corrosive process media.
The project is being developed by CRI's client Tianying Group (CNTY) and is progressing toward commissioning later this year. Once operational, the first phase will produce approximately 170,000 metric tonnes of renewable methanol annually from green hydrogen and captured biogenic carbon dioxide.
The Liaoyuan project is part of a larger development with planned renewable energy capacity of 2.639 GW and eventual green methanol production of 800,000 tonnes per year. CRI's reactor design emphasizes operational flexibility to accommodate the intermittent nature of renewable power sources—a critical feature for integrating with wind and solar generation.
Methanol production, whether from fossil fuels or renewable sources, relies on essentially the same process equipment. The demanding operating conditions require clad plates for several critical components:
Methanol Converter: The reactor itself, where hydrogen and CO₂ are converted to methanol, requires pressure vessel materials that can withstand high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosive conditions. Clad plates with titanium, stainless steel, or nickel alloy cladding on carbon steel backing are standard for methanol service.
Heat Exchangers: Methanol production is highly exothermic, requiring extensive heat exchange within the reactor loop. Clad tube sheets with precision-drilled holes and strict flatness tolerances are essential for tube bundle support and sealing. For large-scale reactors like the Liaoyuan unit, tube sheets can exceed 4 meters in diameter.
Pressure Vessels and Separators: The process loop includes separators for product recovery. These vessels typically use clad dish heads and clad baffle plates to maintain corrosion protection across all wetted surfaces.
For green methanol plants processing CO₂ and green hydrogen, common clad plate specifications include:
Titanium (TA2) with Q345R backing – for highly corrosive environments where chloride concentrations are elevated
Stainless steel 316L or 304L with SA516 Gr.70 backing – for general methanol service
Nickel alloys (Inconel 625/825) with carbon steel backing – for elevated temperature zones where chloride stress corrosion is a concern
These specifications typically require compliance with ASME SA-264 (stainless steel clad), ASME SA-265 (nickel alloy clad), and NACE MR0175 for sour service applications.
The Liaoyuan project builds on CRI's track record of commercial deployments in China, including the Anyang and Lianyungang reference plants. As the world's largest e-methanol facility, it demonstrates the scalability of carbon recycling technology and points to a future pipeline of similar projects.
For the clad plate industry, this represents a new and growing end-market. Green methanol aligns with global decarbonization trends in shipping and chemicals—two sectors under pressure to reduce emissions. The International Maritime Organization has set a target of 5% net-zero fuels in shipping by 2030, with methanol emerging as a leading candidate.
As more such facilities reach final investment decision, demand for clad plates, clad tube sheets, and other corrosion-resistant components is expected to rise. Manufacturers with experience in large-format clad plate production and custom machining capabilities are well-positioned for this emerging segment.
Fugo Tech is a manufacturer of clad plates and machined components for pressure vessels and heat exchangers. Core products include clad tube sheets, clad dish heads, and baffle plates. Complementary materials cover titanium, nickel alloy, and stainless steel. ISO 9001 and PED certified. www.fugo-tech.com | sales@fugo-tech.com.
Fugo Tech is focused on the manufacturing of clad metal plate and distributes the Stainless Steel, Titanium, Nickel Alloy, Zirconium and other non-ferrous metal pipes, fittings, and flanges.
