South Korea Renewable Methanol Market Global Outlook and Forecast 2024-2030

In Business Insights
June 16, 2025


The South Korea renewable methanol market size was valued at USD 54.8 million in 2024, according to the latest industry analysis. With growing emphasis on decarbonization across industries, the market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%, reaching approximately USD 83.0 million by 2030. This growth trajectory reflects South Korea’s strategic push toward sustainable chemical feedstocks and green fuel alternatives.

Renewable methanol has emerged as a critical component in South Korea’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Produced from biomass, captured CO₂, or green hydrogen, this sustainable variant of methanol serves as both a fuel and chemical building block. The country’s strong petrochemical sector and ambitious carbon neutrality goals create ideal conditions for market expansion.

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Market Overview & Regional Dynamics

South Korea’s renewable methanol industry benefits from multiple favorable conditions. The nation’s advanced industrial infrastructure, coupled with government initiatives like the Green New Deal, accelerates adoption. Unlike conventional methanol derived from fossil fuels, renewable methanol supports circular economy models, making it attractive for eco-conscious manufacturers.

Within Asia-Pacific, South Korea stands out for its technological capabilities in methanol synthesis. The country hosts several world-scale methanol production facilities increasingly transitioning toward renewable variants. While China dominates regional production capacity, South Korea leads in high-value applications and R&D investment across the value chain.

Key Market Drivers and Emerging Opportunities

Three primary factors fuel market growth: stringent environmental regulations, corporate sustainability commitments, and methanol’s versatility. The chemical industry accounts for 68% of domestic demand, utilizing renewable methanol as a cleaner feedstock for formaldehyde, acetic acid, and other derivatives.

Transportation presents untapped potential. Marine fuel applications are gaining traction as shipping companies seek IMO 2030/2050 compliance solutions. Additionally, methanol fuel cells show promise for stationary power generation and mobility applications. The government’s Hydrogen Economy Roadmap further supports methanol-to-hydrogen systems development.

Challenges and Market Restraints

Despite strong growth prospects, several hurdles remain. Production costs for renewable methanol currently exceed conventional methanol by 30-50%, limiting wider adoption. Feedstock availability presents another challenge – while South Korea has abundant waste resources, collection and preprocessing infrastructure requires significant investment.

Trade dynamics also impact the market. Import dependence on key inputs like biomass creates supply chain vulnerabilities. Moreover, competing green technologies such as e-methanol and bioethanol create substitution risks. Regulatory uncertainties around carbon pricing mechanisms add another layer of complexity for market participants.

Market Segmentation by Type

  • By-product Sourced Bio-Methanol
  • Waste Sourced Bio-Methanol

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Market Segmentation by Application

  • MTBE
  • DME
  • Gasoline Blending
  • Bio-diesel
  • Others (including formaldehyde, acetic acid)

Competitive Landscape and Key Players

South Korea’s renewable methanol market features a mix of domestic conglomerates and specialized producers:

  • Samsung Engineering Co., Ltd.
  • POSCO
  • SK Innovation Co., Ltd.
  • LG Chem
  • Hanwha Solutions/Chemical Corporation
  • GS Caltex Corporation
  • S-Oil Corporation
  • Hyundai Oilbank Co., Ltd.
  • Doosan Fuel Cell Co., Ltd.
  • Lotte Chemical Corporation

Report Scope

This comprehensive market analysis covers South Korea’s renewable methanol landscape from 2024 to 2030, providing critical insights into:

  • Market size estimates and growth projections
  • Detailed segmentation by feedstock type and application
  • Production capacity and consumption patterns
  • Policy and regulatory framework analysis
  • Technological developments and innovations

The report also features in-depth company profiles, including:

  • Business strategies and recent developments
  • Production capacities and expansion plans
  • Financial performance metrics
  • Strategic partnerships and collaborations

Research methodology combines primary interviews with industry experts and comprehensive secondary research. The analysis examines trade flows, raw material trends, and competitive dynamics shaping the market’s future trajectory.

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