TAE-Discussion Paper: Energy supply with climate-positive sub-zero methanol as fuel

Combating the effects of climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time – in Europe and worldwide. In simple terms: 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 that 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 Taxpayers' Association of Europe (TAE), a historic opportunity is currently opening up for Europe to achieve energy independence – and thus 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 while simultaneously effectively reducing CO₂ concentrations in the Earth's atmosphere, not only in Europe, but even worldwide.

This innovation is climate-positive sub-zero methanol as fuel – a novel, green synthetic energy carrier the production of which removes more carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere than is needed for its production. 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, the TAE aims to initiate an open discussion and demonstrate the potential of this innovation using an existing technical solution.

Sub-Zero Methanol shows how important it is that we improve the framework conditions for research and development in Europe. On our continent, numerous companies are developing innovative approaches to technical solutions that promise us a better future. We must do everything we can to keep the development of these innovations in Europe and prevent the companies that develop them from having to leave Europe for economic reasons.

First step: The EU must recognise methanol as a (synthetic) fuel. This is the basic prerequisite for this forward-looking technology to develop in Europe – and prevent it from migrating to countries outside Europe.

Download Discussion Paper Sub-Zero-Methanol

Brussels/Munich, September 10, 2025