TAE Discussion Paper: Energy supply using climate-positive methanol below freezing point as a fuel
Combating the effects of climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time – in Europe and worldwide. In short: it is about our future and that of future generations. One key lies in the climate-neutral or climate-friendly generation and use of energy. Climate-neutral energy makes Europe less dependent on third countries and contributes to our security of supply.
As important as it is to take action and reduce climate-damaging emissions, these measures must always be designed in such a way that the necessary resources are used as efficiently as possible, thereby minimising costs.
From the perspective of the European Taxpayers’ Association (TAE), Europe currently has a historic opportunity to achieve energy independence and thereby secure long-term prosperity and social peace on our continent. The potential for this lies in a fundamental innovation that enables us to secure our energy supply whilst effectively reducing CO₂ concentrations in the Earth’s atmosphere – not only in Europe, but worldwide.
This innovation is climate-positive, sub-zero methanol as a fuel – a novel, environmentally friendly, synthetic energy carrier whose production removes more carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere than is required for its manufacture. In short: the production and consumption of sub-zero methanol reduce CO₂ emissions.
Sub-zero methanol can be produced cost-effectively in large quantities.
With this discussion paper, TAE aims to initiate an open discussion and highlight the potential of this innovation using an existing technical solution.
Sub-zero methanol highlights how important it is to improve the framework conditions for research and development in Europe. Across our continent, numerous companies are developing innovative technical solutions that promise us a better future. We must do everything in our power to keep the development of these innovations in Europe and prevent the companies developing them from having to leave Europe for economic reasons.
First step: the EU must recognise methanol as a (synthetic) fuel. This is the fundamental prerequisite for ensuring that this forward-looking technology can continue to develop in Europe and prevent it from migrating to countries outside Europe.
Download Sub-Zero Methanol Discussion Paper
Brussels/Munich, 10 September 2025