**Paysandú, Uruguay – A proposal is under review to build a synthetic‑fuel plant that would use water from the Uruguay River, renewable electricity and forest‑residue feedstock to produce e‑methanol for export.**
The project, announced by local authorities in Paysandú, envisions a facility that would extract hydrogen from river water through electrolysis, capture carbon dioxide from biomass processing and other industrial sources, and combine the two gases to synthesize e‑methanol—a liquid fuel that can be used in existing combustion engines and as a feedstock for other chemicals.
According to the proposal, the plant would draw water directly from the Uruguay River, apply electricity generated from renewable sources, and incorporate forest residues—such as sawdust and wood chips—into its feedstock mix. The resulting e‑methanol would be intended for the international market, positioning Uruguay as a potential exporter of low‑carbon synthetic fuels.
The concept follows a broader trend of “power‑to‑X” technologies, which aim to convert surplus renewable electricity into liquid fuels that can be stored and transported more easily than electricity itself. Proponents argue that such processes can help decarbonize sectors that are difficult to electrify directly, such as aviation and maritime transport.
The plan is still in the feasibility stage. Authorities have indicated that environmental impact assessments, regulatory approvals and financing arrangements will be required before construction can begin. No timeline for implementation has been announced, and the projected capacity, investment cost and expected emissions reductions have not been disclosed publicly.
Stakeholders, including local environmental groups, have called for a thorough review of potential ecological impacts, particularly concerning water use from the Uruguay River and the handling of forest‑residue material. The project’s developers have stated that the plant would adhere to national environmental standards and aim to minimize any adverse effects on the river ecosystem.
If realized, the Paysandú facility would join a small but growing number of pilot projects worldwide that seek to produce synthetic fuels from renewable electricity and captured carbon. The initiative reflects Uruguay’s broader interest in expanding its renewable‑energy sector and exploring value‑added uses for its natural resources.
Article and image source: brecha.com.uy
