A research team has proposed a novel process for converting wet biomass into renewable methanol. The reaction proceeds via the previously underexplored intermediates formic acid and methyl formate, achieving high single-pass methanol yields. Flexible, decentralised and cost-competitiveThe process is highly flexible with respect to biomass feedstocks and is particularly suitable for decentralised applications. A techno-economic assessment showed a carbon efficiency of 80 % and competitive production costs between EUR 0.69 and EUR 2.31 per kilogram – comparable to biomass gasification and power-to-methanol technologies. Although still at an early development stage, the process demonstrates strong potential for industrial implementation and to complement future sustainable methanol production.