(Bandar Seri Begawan, 26th)—Brunei's Deputy Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office, Dato Azmi, recently attended the “Sustainable Methanol Forum” held in Bandar Seri Begawan, where he joined representatives from government agencies, industry leaders, and the academic community to jointly discuss methanol’s key role in driving Brunei’s energy transition and economic diversification.
The forum, themed “Shaping the Future of Clean Energy with Sustainable Methanol,” was also held to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Brunei Methanol Company (BMC), highlighting Brunei’s innovative steps in the clean energy sector.
During his keynote speech, Deputy Minister Dato Azmi emphasized Brunei’s commitment to promoting sustainable economic growth and social development, as well as its continuous efforts to strengthen the capabilities of the local workforce. Since the establishment of BMC in 2006, the methanol industry has marked an innovative breakthrough in downstream oil and gas development and has successfully advanced Brunei from traditional oil and natural gas industries to high value-added product sectors, positioning Brunei as a key competitor in the regional methanol market.
He pointed out that Brunei is accelerating its energy transition, especially in enhancing the share of renewable energy such as solar power. By producing low-carbon methanol using renewable energy and responsibly sourced raw materials, Brunei can meet the global demand for clean fuels and sustainable chemical feedstocks.
In his speech, Brunei Methanol Company CEO Jesus Enrique stated that methanol is a key solution for green energy in the future. The company has already exported methanol to several Asian countries, establishing Brunei as a major regional supplier. He noted that although BMC currently uses natural gas as its feedstock, methanol’s true raw materials are carbon dioxide and hydrogen, meaning captured CO₂ can be reused. This not only helps with carbon reduction but also converts waste carbon into valuable products.
Nurdeena, Acting Director of the Energy Policy and Strategy Division, further pointed out that the methanol industry’s contribution to GDP demonstrates its strategic status in economic diversification, providing Brunei with opportunities to develop bio-methanol and e-methanol, thereby supporting the region’s low-carbon fuel supply.
HIF Global Executive Manager Adam shared the company’s global plans in the field of e-fuels, including the development of e-methanol, e-aviation fuel and e-gasoline. These renewable fuels help decarbonize the transport and industrial sectors.
Pete, solar advisor for Asia Pacific Energy Solutions (APES), pointed out that combining solar, imported hydro, and natural gas can create a stable, export-oriented low-cost grid, achieving both economic and climate goals.
Sukanya Bunnen, Executive Director at S&P Global, analyzed that with the push of global carbon reduction policies, market demand for low-carbon methanol (including blue, green, and bio-methanol) will grow rapidly, especially in marine fuel sectors.
Jack Pring, Global Energy Transition Lead at Lloyd’s Register, said that as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) advances its net zero targets, bio-methanol and e-methanol will become major maritime fuels of the future. Brunei's proximity to Singapore—a global bunkering hub—gives it an advantage in developing a regional methanol fuel hub.
Arete Solutions Managing Director Shaji showcased BMC’s achievements in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), including establishing a sound ESG framework, introducing the AI data platform “Ecodrisil”, achieving over 10 million incident-free work hours, and strengthening local employment and community engagement. The forum concluded by calling upon government, industry, academia, and society to jointly promote low-carbon technology and sustainable methanol development, in support of the Twelfth National Development Plan (RKN12) and “Brunei Vision 2035” (Wawasan 2035).
Brunei Methanol Company expressed gratitude to government agencies, shareholders, academia, and all participants for their support and contributions, and reaffirmed its commitment to realizing Brunei's long-term clean energy and climate goals.
The forum, themed “Shaping the Future of Clean Energy with Sustainable Methanol,” was also held to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Brunei Methanol Company (BMC), highlighting Brunei’s innovative steps in the clean energy sector.
During his keynote speech, Deputy Minister Dato Azmi emphasized Brunei’s commitment to promoting sustainable economic growth and social development, as well as its continuous efforts to strengthen the capabilities of the local workforce. Since the establishment of BMC in 2006, the methanol industry has marked an innovative breakthrough in downstream oil and gas development and has successfully advanced Brunei from traditional oil and natural gas industries to high value-added product sectors, positioning Brunei as a key competitor in the regional methanol market.
He pointed out that Brunei is accelerating its energy transition, especially in enhancing the share of renewable energy such as solar power. By producing low-carbon methanol using renewable energy and responsibly sourced raw materials, Brunei can meet the global demand for clean fuels and sustainable chemical feedstocks.
In his speech, Brunei Methanol Company CEO Jesus Enrique stated that methanol is a key solution for green energy in the future. The company has already exported methanol to several Asian countries, establishing Brunei as a major regional supplier. He noted that although BMC currently uses natural gas as its feedstock, methanol’s true raw materials are carbon dioxide and hydrogen, meaning captured CO₂ can be reused. This not only helps with carbon reduction but also converts waste carbon into valuable products.
Nurdeena, Acting Director of the Energy Policy and Strategy Division, further pointed out that the methanol industry’s contribution to GDP demonstrates its strategic status in economic diversification, providing Brunei with opportunities to develop bio-methanol and e-methanol, thereby supporting the region’s low-carbon fuel supply.
HIF Global Executive Manager Adam shared the company’s global plans in the field of e-fuels, including the development of e-methanol, e-aviation fuel and e-gasoline. These renewable fuels help decarbonize the transport and industrial sectors.
Pete, solar advisor for Asia Pacific Energy Solutions (APES), pointed out that combining solar, imported hydro, and natural gas can create a stable, export-oriented low-cost grid, achieving both economic and climate goals.
Sukanya Bunnen, Executive Director at S&P Global, analyzed that with the push of global carbon reduction policies, market demand for low-carbon methanol (including blue, green, and bio-methanol) will grow rapidly, especially in marine fuel sectors.
Jack Pring, Global Energy Transition Lead at Lloyd’s Register, said that as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) advances its net zero targets, bio-methanol and e-methanol will become major maritime fuels of the future. Brunei's proximity to Singapore—a global bunkering hub—gives it an advantage in developing a regional methanol fuel hub.
Arete Solutions Managing Director Shaji showcased BMC’s achievements in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), including establishing a sound ESG framework, introducing the AI data platform “Ecodrisil”, achieving over 10 million incident-free work hours, and strengthening local employment and community engagement. The forum concluded by calling upon government, industry, academia, and society to jointly promote low-carbon technology and sustainable methanol development, in support of the Twelfth National Development Plan (RKN12) and “Brunei Vision 2035” (Wawasan 2035).
Brunei Methanol Company expressed gratitude to government agencies, shareholders, academia, and all participants for their support and contributions, and reaffirmed its commitment to realizing Brunei's long-term clean energy and climate goals.