Methanation Catalysts Market

Industry Overview

The "Global Methanation Catalyst Market" was valued at US$ 67.00 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 75.45 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 2.0% during the forecast period.

Methanation catalysts. Methanation is the reaction by which carbon oxides and hydrogen are converted to methane and water. The reaction is catalysed by nickel catalysts. In industry, there are two main uses for methanation, to purify synthesis gas (i.e. remove traces of carbon oxides) and to manufacture methane.

The manufacture of synthetic natural gas (SNG) from hydrogen and carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide depends on the methanation catalyst industry. By permitting the conversion of excess renewable energy into transportable and storable methane, it significantly contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the improvement of energy efficiency. These catalysts are widely utilised in industries including energy, chemicals, and waste management. They are usually made of metals like nickel, cobalt, and ruthenium. The market is driven by the increasing use of Power-to-Gas (P2G) technologies, which make it easier to convert renewable energy sources into hydrogen, which is then mechanized to produce SNG and the growing demand for greener energy alternatives.

Improvements in catalyst compositions to boost selectivity, lower carbon deposition, and better operational stability are some of the major trends in the methanation catalyst market. The sector also has to deal with issues including the price of raw materials, sophisticated technology, and environmental restrictions. The methanation catalyst market is anticipated to expand as countries work to decarbonise their energy systems, particularly in areas like Europe and Asia-Pacific that are leading the way in hydrogen economy projects.

Segmental Analysis

Aluminium Oxide to hold the highest market share: By Type

The global methanation catalyst market can be segmented by catalyst type, typically broken down into Aluminum Oxide Carrier, Composite Carrier, and Others.

In the global methanation catalyst market, the Aluminium Oxide Carrier segment has the largest market share. Because of their great mechanical strength, thermal stability, and affordability, aluminium oxide-based carriers are a preferred option for supporting active metals like nickel, which are crucial for the methanation reaction. Due to its adaptability to a wide range of industrial applications—particularly in the chemical and energy sectors, where large-scale methanation processes are prevalent—this segment dominates the market. Because of their strong performance and capacity to tolerate the high temperatures needed for methanation reactions, aluminium oxide carriers are more durable and effective over longer operating times. Furthermore, aluminium oxide carriers continue to be a favoured option as companies place a greater emphasis on affordable methods of producing synthetic natural gas, thus reinforcing their dominant position in the methanation catalyst industry.

The Composite Carrier category is the second-largest user base. To improve catalyst performance, composite carriers are usually created by mixing materials like silica, ceria, or zirconia with other supports. These carriers are appropriate for larger-scale methanation applications because they have advantages in terms of enhanced catalytic activity, selectivity, and resistance to sintering and poisoning. Composite carriers are frequently used by industries that demand more robustness and efficiency, particularly when operating in difficult environments or looking to increase methane output

Although composite carriers are more expensive than aluminum oxide, their superior characteristics justify the investment in scenarios that demand long-lasting, high-performance catalysts.

Coat to Gas segment holds the highest market share: Application

The global methanation catalyst market can be segmented by catalyst type, typically broken down into Coal to Gas, Coke Oven Gas to Gas, CO Removal, CO2 Removal.

The coal-to-gas application, which accounts for 40–45% of the global methanation catalyst market, has the largest market share. In areas with plentiful coal deposits, such as China and India, the Coal to Gas process—which turns syngas obtained from coal into synthetic natural gas, or SNG—is extensively utilised. Because coal gasification technology is widely used for energy production—methanation catalysts being a major factor in the conversion of syngas into methane—this sector leads the market. The method is preferred because it can turn coal into cleaner fuel, lowering the need for more polluting direct coal combustion.

The market shares of the remaining applications, CO Removal, CO2 Removal, and Coke Oven Gas to Gas, are lower. While CO Removal and CO₂ Removal are mostly employed for refining syngas to meet quality criteria for downstream applications or environmental compliance, Coke Oven Gas to Gas is a substantial segment, particularly in the steel industry.

Regional Overview

The market for methanation catalysts demonstrates a range of regional trends, with notable activity observed in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. Asia-Pacific retains the greatest share of the market, driven by nations like China and India, where coal-to-gas conversion projects are important due to substantial coal supplies and a strong focus on cleaner coal technology. These nations spend extensively in synthetic natural gas (SNG) production as they aim to reconcile energy security with environmental sustainability. Europe is another significant market, driven mostly by the region's adoption of renewable energy sources and decarbonisation efforts. In this case, methanation catalysts are necessary for Power-to-Gas (P2G) initiatives, which transform surplus renewable energy into methane that may be stored. The focus on green hydrogen and synthetic methane as part of the hydrogen economy is driving growth in European markets.

North America exhibits much promise as well, especially in light of rising investments in carbon capture and renewable energy integration technology. In an effort to lower greenhouse gas emissions, the US is seeing an increase in interest in using methanation to upgrade biogas and remove carbon dioxide. Although the market is expanding in other regions, such as Latin America and the Middle East, the key growth drivers are still centred on Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America, where there is the greatest combination of industry investments, technology breakthroughs, and regulatory backing.

Competitive Analysis

• Haldor Topsoe
• Johnson Matthey
• BASF
• Clariant
• INS Pulawy
• JGC C&C
• Jiangxi Huihua
• Anchun
• CAS KERRY
• Sichuan Shutai
• Dalian Catalytic
• Other Key Players

There are numerous major competitors in the competitive methanation catalyst industry that are competing for market share through partnerships, innovation, and global expansion. Prominent corporations such as BASF SE, Johnson Matthey, Haldor Topsoe, and Clariant have gained recognition for their well-established catalyst technologies expertise and robust global footprint. These businesses make use of their broad R&D resources to improve catalyst lifetime, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency—all of which are vital differentiators in this industry.

The industry is characterised by intense competition, especially in the Asia-Pacific area, where regional firms are making headway by concentrating on large-scale coal-to-gas projects and providing cost-competitive solutions. Green and sustainable solutions are the centre of competitiveness in North America and Europe, where businesses are heavily investing in catalysts designed for carbon dioxide removal and Power-to-Gas (P2G) applications in order to meet regional decarbonisation targets. Furthermore, in an effort to improve their market positions and obtain access to new client segments, several businesses are establishing strategic alliances with energy and utility corporations. The market is anticipated to remain competitive, with innovation and sustainability serving as primary drivers, given the growing need for synthetic natural gas (SNG) production and the integration of renewable energy sources.

Recent Development

Nov 11^th, 2022, Clariant & Technip Energies announced the launch of EARTH® which is a Pioneering technology to reduce the CO2 footprint of steam methane reforming.Clariant’s focus on sustainability continues to expan. The collaboration on Technip Energies’ innovative technology solutions and the companies catalysis expertise has resulted in EARTH: a breakthrough in steam methane reforming that reduces the CO2 footprint of the process up to 20%. Being the acronym of “enhanced annular reforming tube for hydrogen,”

May 25^th 2022, INERATEC and Clariant Joined forces for a cleaner future. “The collaboration with Clariant during our scale-up phase was one crucial part for the successful deployment at industrial scale” CEO Tim Boeltken

April 16^th 2024, Topsoe, a global leader in carbon emission reduction technologies, has signed an agreement with Cepsa, a leading international company committed to sustainable mobility. According to the agreement, Topsoe will provide its HydroFlex™ technology for the production of SAF and renewable diesel at the new plant of Cepsa’ Bioenergia San Roque (CBSR) , a joint venture between Cepsa and Bio-Oils Energy, part of Apical Group, in Palos de la Frontera, Spain.

March 26thh, 2024, Topsoe, a global leader in carbon emission reduction technologies, has reached a key milestone in the form of environmental permit from the Danish Environmental Agency.

End Use Industry Analysis 

The end-use industries that make up the majority of the para-methanation catalyst market are chemicals, petrochemicals, and renewable energy, oil and gas, energy and power etc. . These catalysts are essential for the chemical industry's hydrogenation processes, which help change unsaturated hydrocarbons into saturated hydrocarbons. Applications in the production of intermediates for different chemical products, like solvents and polymers, are what are driving the demand. Para-methanation catalysts play a critical role in the petrochemical industry's refining processes, particularly in the generation of synthetic fuels and methane-rich gases, where they improve fuel quality and efficiency. Cleaner fuels and energy sources are becoming more and more necessary, which is helping this industry flourish.

The growing use of Power-to-Gas (PtG) technology is causing the renewable energy industry to become one of the major users of para-methanation catalysts. This is the process of turning excess renewable energy into methane, a green energy source that can be transported and stored. The need for sustainable energy solutions is anticipated to increase as governments and businesses around the world seek for more renewable energy sources, which will help the para-methanation catalyst industry as a whole.

Industry Dynamics

Industry Trends

Growing adoption of Power-to-Gas (PtG) technology

The increasing use of Power-to-Gas (PtG) technology in the renewable energy sector is an significant trend in the para-methanation catalyst market. The need to address the intermittent issues with renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, and the worldwide need for sustainable energy solutions are driving this development. With PtG technology, excess renewable electricity may be converted into methane gas, which can be transported, stored, and used as a renewable energy source. This process involves the use of para-methanation catalysts to enhance the reaction between carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen (H₂), creating methane (CH₄) and water as by products.

Methane's adaptability and storage potential are two major factors driving this trend. Methane can be integrated into the current natural gas infrastructure, allowing for significant storage and distribution, unlike electricity, which is difficult to store at scale. This ensures a more steady and dependable energy supply by balancing the supply-demand swings typical of renewable energy.

As countries and corporations set ambitious targets for carbon neutrality, the role of methanation catalysts in PtG technology is becoming more significant. This trend is particularly evident in regions such as Europe and North America, where stringent environmental regulations and incentives for green energy projects are encouraging the adoption of PtG systems. For instance, the European Union has been actively promoting hydrogen-based energy storage solutions as part of its Green Deal, which seeks to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.

Industry Driver

Shift Toward Renewable Energy and Carbon Neutrality Goals

One major factor propelling the global methanation catalyst market is the trend towards carbon neutrality and renewable energy targets. Technologies that can effectively store and use renewable energy are desperately needed as nations mount greater efforts to tackle climate change. Methanation catalysts are essential components of Power-to-Gas (PtG) systems, which facilitate the conversion of excess renewable energy produced by solar or wind power plants into synthetic methane. It is possible to store this methane and use it later on as a source of energy, especially at times when there is a strong demand for energy or when the production of renewable energy is low.

PtG systems have two advantages: they lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy storage capacities. These systems allow the recycling of carbon dioxide (CO₂), which would otherwise contribute to atmospheric emissions, by absorbing and converting CO₂ during the methanation process. The carbon neutrality goals that numerous nations have established as part of their climate action programs are supported by this strategy. For instance, the European Union has lofty aims to establish carbon neutrality by 2050, and PtG technology, driven by methanation catalysts, is a possible instrument to help achieve these targets.

Furthermore, methanation catalyst-based PtG systems provide a means of stabilising renewable energy grids, which are frequently hampered by the intermittent nature of solar and wind power. Methane is a desirable alternative for renewable energy storage since it can be included into the current natural gas infrastructure, where it may be distributed via well-established pipelines and kept for an extended period of time. This stored synthetic methane can subsequently be turned back into electricity or employed in numerous sectors, including transportation and industrial, hence boosting energy flexibility.

Industry Restraint

Higher Dependency on Hydrogen Supply

Since methanation processes significantly rely on hydrogen to convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) into methane, the market for methanation catalysts is severely constrained by the availability of hydrogen. But producing hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen, is expensive and energy-intensive. Electrolysis using sustainable energy sources, such solar or wind power, produces green hydrogen. Despite being sustainable, this process has significant production costs because of the cost of the electrolysis technology and the renewable energy required to run it.

The cost of green hydrogen remains a significant barrier to the economic viability of methanation on a large scale. Electrolyzers are expensive, and their efficiency is still a challenge, which makes green hydrogen notably more costly than its conventional counterpart, gray hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels. Additionally, because green hydrogen production depends on renewable energy sources, its availability can be inconsistent, especially in regions that lack the infrastructure or resources to produce renewable energy on a reliable basis.

Moreover, hydrogen price volatility can further impede the adoption of methanation technology. Fluctuating hydrogen prices, driven by factors like energy market dynamics and technological advancements, can make it challenging for industries to plan long-term investments in methanation systems. This price instability can deter companies from adopting methanation technologies, especially in regions that lack subsidies or incentives to offset these costs.

Report Scope

The report includes Global & Regional market status and outlook for 2017-2028. Further, the report provides breakdown details about each region & countries covered in the report. Identifying its sales, sales volume & revenue forecast. With detailed analysis by Types, Application, End Use Industry, Installation. The report also covers the key players of the industry including Company Profile, Product Specifications, Production Capacity/Sales, Revenue, Price, and Gross Margin 2017-2028 & Sales with a thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors and comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of major market vendors.