Brussels, 4 March 2026 – On the 30th of April, the ECO2Fuel consortium will present its latest advancements in scaling electrochemical CO2 conversion systems during Acee-GISEL 2026 Conference in Cetraro, Italy. The programme will showcase progress from catalyst design and membrane development to the engineering and validation of a 50 kW CO2 electrolyser system, marking a key step toward industrial deployment of sustainable e-fuel production technologies.
Bridging the gap between lab and industrial scale deployment
Electrochemical CO2 reduction offers a promising pathway to convert captured carbon dioxide into value-added chemicals and sustainable fuels using renewable electricity. However, moving from laboratory-scale demonstrations to industrially relevant systems remain one of the sector’s main challenges.
At Acee-GISEL 2026, ECO2Fuel partners will present coordinated advances across the entire value chain. From catalyst and membrane development to system engineering and validation at 50 kW scale.
Recent progress includes:
Kg-scale production of high-performance Cu2O and NiFeOx electrocatalysts, enabling stable and efficient CO2 conversion under scaled-up conditions.
Upscaled membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) with industrial validation, the core units of the electrolyser as it drives the electrochemical conversion of CO2.
Tailored anion exchange membranes designed for durability and efficient ion transport, which are specialised polymer layers that separates the two sides of the electrolyser while allowing ions to pass through, enabling the chemical reaction to proceed efficiently.
Recycling strategies supporting circular material use, reducing waste, lowering environmental impact and supporting long-term industrial sustainability.
Design, integration and operation of a pressurised 50 kW CO2 electrolyser system, representing a crucial step between laboratory experiments and industrial installations.
As said above, the 50 kW stack represents a critical intermediate step between laboratory cells and future megawatt (MW)-scale installations. Its modular configuration, balance-of-plant integration, and validation under realistic operating conditions provide practical insights into efficiency, durability and operability in CO2 reduction environments.
Together, these developments demonstrate that scalable and robust CO₂-to-fuel systems are moving closer to industrial deployment. By advancing electrochemical carbon utilisation technologies, ECO2Fuel supports the EU’s climate neutrality objectives and accelerates the transition toward a more sustainable and circular energy system.
Join us on 30 April and explore the latest advancements developed by the ECO2Fuel team in electrochemical CO₂ conversion technology.
The ECO2Fuel researchers will showcase how advanced Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolysis technologies are supporting the transition from laboratory research to industrial-scale application. Demonstration will cover stack designs scaling up the technology from 5 KW to 50 kW, highlighting how the technology can contribute to Europe’s climate-neutral energy goals by 2030.
Co-hosted as a part of the ACee-GISEL 2026, 2nd joint conference, the ECO2Fuel discussion will bring together leading researchers and industrial experts to present the latest innovations in catalysts, membranes, stack design, and large-scale validation in electrochemical CO₂ conversion.
Belgium, Brussels — 9 December 2025 — A key discovery for the European Union energy production was made by the researchers from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in the framework of the research for ECO2Fuel technology: they have shown that short-side-chain perfluorosulfonic acid (SSC-PFSA e.g. Aquivion®) membranes renown for their high structural crystallinity, enhanced thermomechanical resilience and superior water retention behavior – can maintain the proton conductivity at temperatures up to 150 °C under elevated pressure and humidification. Notably, the membrane degradation is driven more strongly by humidity than by temperature or open-circuit-voltage cycling, which act as comparatively gentler stressors. This insight opens new horizons for proton exchange membranes in CO₂ electrolysis, water splitting, and fuel cells, where higher operating temperatures promise faster kinetics, improved efficiency, simplified system design, and prospects for alternative catalyst materials.
CO₂ conversion, a game-changer technology for the EU decarbonisation strategy
The discovery supports the EU’s Green Deal and Hydrogen Strategy by advancing cleaner, more efficient electrochemical technologies essential for achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Strengthens Europe’s leadership in sustainable materials science and energy innovation, helping to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and critical materials.
It directly contributed to the EU’s goals of enabling CO₂ conversion and decarbonising hard-to-abate industrial sectors.
A high temperature resistance
The researchers found that SSC-PFSA membranes can maintain their structural integrity and proton conductivity at temperatures above the boiling point of water. When the system is pressurised, dehydration of the membrane is reduced, allowing ionic conductivity to remain high even beyond 100 °C. By operating at elevated temperatures, the single-phase gaseous system could simplify system design and improve reaction behaviour. Additionally, the membrane remains dense, which leads to lower crossover of CO2 reduction products. This is beneficial for both efficiency and safety. However, the study also showed that frequent cycling between dry and humid conditions poses a significant stress on the material and can accelerate membrane degradation, highlighting the need for careful humidity management.
“The aim of this study was to determine whether SSC-PFSA membranes can truly enable high-temperature electrochemical operation”, said Professor Qingfeng Li, a researcher specialised in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies from DTU, “These membranes do not soften in the same way as traditional Nafion when heated above 100 °C, which makes them promising candidates for systems operating in the 110–120 °C range”.
Although this membrane was investigated as a candidate within the ECO2Fuel research, the team later selected anion exchange membranes as the final technology pathway. The findings of this study remain valuable as fundamental knowledge and can be applied in water electrolysers technology, fuel cells production, and future CO₂ conversion systems.
Strategic Context
Although the membrane characterised in this study ultimately was not selected as the final material for the technology the results provide valuable design and performance insight for the development of next-generation proton and ion-exchange membranes suited to high-temperature industrial environments.
In this regulatory compliance report, the research team from VITO and RWE explored in the framework of ECO2Fuel, how the European Union’s evolving legal framework for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs) — synthetic fuels produced from renewable electricity and captured CO₂ — is shaping the future of CO₂-to-fuel technologies.
Here are 6 main takeaways from the report.
EU climate policy driving CO₂-to-fuel innovation
Europe is placing CO₂ conversion and RFNBO production at the centre of its clean energy transition. The report highlights how EU policies, such as the Renewable Energy Directive and the Fit for 55 package, are encouraging large-scale electrochemical CO₂ reduction technologies, including those developed within the ECO2Fuel project.
RFNBOs — including synthetic methanol, ethanol, and e-fuels — are increasingly recognised as key enablers for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation, shipping, and heavy transport.
Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) targets for RFNBOs
Double-counting incentives for RFNBOs and advanced biofuels
These provisions are designed to accelerate the market growth of renewable, electricity-based CO₂ fuels across the European Union.
Fit for 55: integrating CO₂ fuels into the EU’s climate roadmap
The EU Fit for 55 package aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and introduces several key initiatives relevant to RFNBOs:
ReFuelEU Aviation: mandating synthetic fuel use to increase from 1.2% in 2030 to 35% in 2050
FuelEU Maritime: introducing progressive greenhouse gas reduction targets for shipping fuels
ETS and ETS2: extending carbon pricing to transport and buildings, creating stronger incentives for low-carbon CO₂ fuels
Together, these policies provide a foundation for expanding CO₂-based renewable fuel production throughout Europe.
RFNBO compliance and sustainability requirements
The ECO2Fuel report underlines the strict sustainability criteria that must be met for RFNBO certification under EU law. To qualify, fuels must utilise additional renewable electricity rather than diverting existing renewable capacity, deliver at least 70% lower greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil fuels, and comply with new EU Delegated Acts that standardise emission accounting, verification, and renewable energy sourcing with time and location alignment. These measures ensure that RFNBOs genuinely support EU decarbonisation objectives.
The 2035–2040 “Sunset Clause” on fossil CO₂
A significant regulatory shift — the “Sunset Clause” — will take effect between 2035 and 2040, marking the end of fossil-derived CO₂ as a recognised source of “avoided emissions.” Future RFNBO facilities will therefore need to rely on direct air capture (DAC) or biogenic CO₂, both of which involve higher production costs. Without transitional arrangements, this shift could challenge the economic feasibility of early-stage CO₂-to-fuel projects.
Life-Cycle Assessment and emission performance
The ECO2Fuel report includes life-cycle assessments of several CO₂-to-fuel pathways, including CO₂-to-methanol, CO₂-to-ethylene, and electrochemical CO₂-to-sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). All current pathways comply with RED III emission thresholds (<28.2 gCO₂eq/MJ) when industrial CO₂ is considered an avoided emission. Once the Sunset Clause applies, however, only pathways using DAC or biogenic carbon will remain compliant.
The report concludes that RFNBOs are essential to achieving the EU’s net-zero ambitions, particularly in sectors that are difficult to electrify directly.
ECO2Fuel’s electrochemical CO₂ conversion technology supports this vision by transforming captured carbon into sustainable, renewable fuels.
30 October 2025, Brussels – Addressing the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the EU-funded project ECO2Fuel has made a significant advancement. They have successfully demonstrated a closed carbon loop system that combines power generation using synthetic fuel, CO2 capture and recycling, and heat reuse. This innovative approach addresses the critical need for sustainable energy solutions.
Carbon is a fundamental element that not only forms the basis of life but also plays a crucial role in the modern world, driving many technological advancements. It is present in a wide range of products and technologies, from the petrol that powers our cars to the cushioning in our running shoes, the electronics we use daily, construction materials, and components of electric vehicles.
Project Coordinator, Faria Huq, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. – DLR:
„The carbon-capture technology developed with ECO2Fuel converts CO2 to sustainable synthetic gaseous and liquid e-fuels, without relying on hydrogen or critical raw materials (CRM). These e-fuels can serve as starting material for synthetic aviation and transport fuels, while the renewable energy during electrochemical CO2 conversion can be used for different applications, for example, for backup power generation. By integrating CO2 capture and waste-energy reuse, we are closing the carbon loop and advancing Europe’s transition toward a circular energy system and lowering our dependency on fossil fuel-based systems for energy. Our target of achieving a system CAPEX of 400–600 €/kW will enable cost-competitive e-fuel production, supporting the EU’s Green Deal, Net-Zero Industry Act, and Renewable Energy Directive goals”.
Removing up to 99% CO2 from the exhaust gases
In this regard, ECO2Fuel’s partner RWE Power, which oversees site-demonstration testing, has successfully demonstrated a new method of generating back-up power using environmentally friendly synthetic fuels, which will be produced electrochemically by the ECO2Fuel process that is currently being tested on a pilot scale at ECO2Fuel’s partner VITO. RWE used a stationary diesel genset with an electric output of 200 kW for this purpose. The exhaust gases produced by this engine are sent back to a carbon capture pilot plant, which uses a chemical process with amines (compounds often used to remove CO2) to capture carbon dioxide. This pilot plant at RWE’s Innovation Centre at Niederaussem captures 7.2 tonnes of CO2 per day from the exhaust gases, at a capture rate of 90% or higher. During a testing campaign, capture rates of >99.8% were achieved, at times resulting in a lower CO2 concentration in the off-gas from the carbon capture plant than in the atmosphere.
To close the carbon cycle, the captured CO2 can again be used as a raw material for the ECO2Fuel demonstrator, which will have a capacity of 1 MW and produce carbon-based e-fuels. These e- fuels can be further processed and reused in the engine, creating a cycle that recycles the carbon rather than releasing it into the atmosphere, thus “closing the carbon loop”. In each cycle, fossil carbon is replaced by recycled carbon and emissions from fossil feedstock are avoided. Additionally, the high-temperature exhaust gas from the engine is being studied for its potential to be reused for heating and improving overall energy efficiency.
Fuel test campaign. Source: ECO2Fuel
In a de-fossilised energy and power supply, peak and backup power will largely be provided by batteries, which have a far better round-trip efficiency. However, batteries have a limited capacity and are not designed to run for weeks in dark, foggy winter times when solar and wind power are not available.
The ECO2Fuel technology can produce the educts for Fischer–Tropsch fuels, such as sustainable aviation fuels (or synthetic kerosene), with synthetic diesel fuel as a by-product.
“The closed carbon cycle was never intended to be a stand-alone process for peak and backup power generation, but it is an attractive add-on to e-fuel applications, although these will be mainly used in transportation sectors, such as marine and aviation, and as a feedstock for certain products in the chemical industry,” explains Knut Stahl, RWE Power’s project manager for ECO2Fuel. E-fuels can be produced where renewable power is abundant, easily transported, stored in large quantities for a long time, and used when there is a severe power shortage.
“When a blackout looms, power suppliers will do anything to keep the lights on, no matter the efficiency of the power source. In the ECO2Fuel project, we have successfully demonstrated that synthetic fuels can be used for peak and backup power generation, even if they were not produced for this purpose”.
In a de-fossilised world, carbon will become scarce, and captured CO2 may become a valuable carbon source. Closing the carbon cycle by converting CO2 and renewable power into carbonaceous fuels and back to electrical power, as demonstrated in ECO2Fuel, allows to use of carbon multiple times and replaces fossil carbon. “The overall goal is to convert green electrons into green molecules, coupling the sectors’ energy, transportation and industry”, adds Dr. Peter Moser, head of RWE Power’s CCUS and Energy Storage research. “ECO2Fuel is part of our long- term development of carbon capture, storage and utilisation solutions in the last two decades”.
The experts specifically looked at the effects of lower carbon dioxide and higher oxygen content in the exhaust gas and at increased nitrogen oxides (NOx) on the performance of the CO2 capture plant, including the energy needed to regenerate the solvent, emissions, and solvent degradation. This is important because these factors can significantly impact the efficiency, cost, and environmental footprint of CO2 capture technologies, ultimately affecting their feasibility for large-scale implementation in industrial settings. The testing campaigns were carried out by RWE Power using its operational infrastructure and staff at the Innovation Centre at Niederaussem (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany).
The advancement presented by ECO2Fuel’s partners lies in the successful integration and demonstration of a closed carbon loop system. This combines e-fuel combustion, CO2 capture and recycling, and heat reuse, contributing to the broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions in the energy, transport, and industrial sectors.
Read the scientific paper: Closing the Carbon Cycle – Demonstrating Back-Up Power Production from E-Fuels in Gensets and Recycling of the Engine Exhaust Gas, Peter Moser, Knut Stahl, Georg Wiechers. Available here: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5016150
Building a low-carbon, climate-resilient Europe
This demonstration is a huge milestone in the journey of ECO2Fuel, a European initiative aiming at creating the world’s first 1 MW low-temperature electrochemical CO2 conversion system. In ECO2Fuel, 15 international partners from the chemical, energy, hydrogen, mechanical engineering and automotive industry, and several research institutions are working together to build a low-carbon, climate-resilient future by converting 742 tonnes of CO2 per year into economic and sustainable liquid e-fuels and chemicals.
ECO2Fuel site. Source: ECO2Fuel
ECO2Fuel is setting a new standard for sustainable energy solutions by demonstrating how carbon can be recycled and reused rather than emitted into the atmosphere. This advancement in the project showcases a closed carbon loop system, proving that it’s possible to use e-fuels and CO2 capture technology to reduce emissions significant.
ECO2Fuel Consortium Advances CO₂-to-E-Fuel Innovation at Successful Bi-Annual Meeting in Athens
The ECO2Fuel consortium just wrapped up the bi-annual meeting in Athens this week! It was a productive few days of in-depth discussions, focusing on the latest advancements in our mission to convert CO2 into sustainable liquid e-fuels.
ECO2Fuel Consortium Advances CO₂-to-E-Fuel Innovation at Successful Bi-Annual Meeting in Athens
Technical test results shared: We reviewed the encouraging outcomes from recent technical tests, confirming the progress of our innovative low-temperature 1MW direct, electrochemical CO2 conversion system. These results are vital steps for the scale up!
Next steps planned: The consortium defined clear, ambitious next steps for the coming months, aligning our work across all international partners.
Challenges discussed: Open discussion on current challenges allowed us to collectively identify solutions and mitigation strategies, ensuring we maintain momentum and address all technical hurdles efficiently.
A big thank you to all 15 international partners for their dedication and collaborative spirit. Onwards and upwards towards a greener future with circular carbon economy solutions!
Brussels, 27 August 2025 – European policy is playing a vital role in accelerating the adoption of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies, an innovative approach that transforms carbon dioxide emissions into valuable resources such as fuels, chemicals, and construction materials. This technology not only contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also promotes new economic opportunities across Europe.
CCU is based on the principle of capturing carbon dioxide and reusing it in various forms, such as e-fuels. These are created by combining captured CO₂ with renewable hydrogen produced from renewable electricity. Such e-fuels serve as drop-in replacements for conventional fossil fuels, suitable for industrial installations, aviation, and maritime transport. The ECO2Fuel project, funded by the European Union, is pioneering this approach by developing a 1 MW lowtemperature electrolyser capable of converting captured CO₂ directly into sustainable liquid fuels using renewable electricity and water. By demonstrating this technology at industrial scale, the project aims to make e-fuels a viable and accessible solution for decarbonising Europe’s most polluting sectors.
In a recent conversation with ECO2Fuel, Tudy Bernier, Policy Director at CO₂ Value Europe, underlined the strategic role CCU can play in the European Green Deal: “CCU will not be the only solution we need, but it will absolutely be one of them, especially for hard-to-abate sectors like aviation, shipping, and heavy industry,” he said. “These are areas where electrification is either technically complex or economically unviable in the short term, and where drop-in CCU fuels can offer a more realistic alternative to fossil-based options.”
EU legislation shapes the future of CCU deployment
As part of the European Green Deal, the European Union has committed to ambitious climate targets, including significant cuts in emissions by 2050. Reaching these goals requires innovative energy and emissions management solutions, particularly in industrial sectors where systemic change, advanced technologies, and new economic models are essential.
Recent legislative initiatives have laid the groundwork for this transition, setting CO₂ reduction targets and creating incentives for low-carbon technologies. The regulatory framework now aects the full CCU value chain, from emitters and transporters to converters and end-users of CO₂-derived products. This broad policy support helps ensure that advanced solutions such as those developed within ECO2Fuel can move from lab to market and become a cornerstone of Europe’s industrial decarbonisation strategy.
National-level action and consumer awareness
While EU legislation sets overarching targets, national governments play a crucial role in implementation. Countries must develop action plans, support research, and establish incentives for CCU projects and sustainable alternatives. Public procurement rules at the national level can also encourage the uptake of sustainable building materials produced via mineralisation, making the sustainable choice the easier option for companies and consumers.
CCU technologies are fundamental for Europe’s transition to a low-carbon economy, particularly in sectors where alternatives are limited. The coming years will be decisive in advancing industrial adoption and consumer acceptance of these technologies. CCU has the potential to become a key pillar of Europe’s sustainable future, supporting climate goals, economic innovation, and energy independence.
To explore these topics in more depth, Tudy Bernier from CO₂ Value Europe joined ECO2Fuel for a conversation on the podcast ECO2Fuel Perspectives, where he shared insights on policy developments, industrial needs, and the role of CCU technologies in the EU’s green transition. The full episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
CO2 electrolyser stack characteristics
Rectangular shape with crossflow design for extra degree freedom
Possibility for direct water injection
Suitable for gas/liquid process
Possibility to use very thin active components such as electrodes and membranes
Fir for higher pressures (up to 45barg)
New flow field design suitable for stamping/hydroforming
Come share your experience and knowledge about #efuels technologies, #CO2conversion systems, talk about your needs, ask questions, and network with the members of the CoP.
This community brings together researchers, industry experts, policymakers (security of supply, energy transition, infrastructure, and climate protection), and enthusiasts to explore the potential of e-fuels as a sustainable solution for the transportation, heating, chemical industry and power generation sectors.
RWE proudly shares highlights from the 17th Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies (GHGT) conference in Canada, where Peter Moser (RWE) represented our ECO2Fuel project.
With over 1,500 participants from 47 countries, 350 presentations across 71 technical sessions, and 500 e-posters, GHGT-17 was the largest conference of its kind to date. Here, we unveiled the first results of the ECO2Fuel project, showcasing a closed carbon cycle approach based on e-fuels.
Stay tuned for insights from this groundbreaking work aimed at sustainable energy solutions.
All posters that are classified as public can be viewed here.
Addressing the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, RWE Power has made a significant advancement in the framework of the ECO2Fuel project. They have successfully demonstrated a closed carbon loop system that combines e-Fuel combustion, CO2 capture and recycling, and heat reuse. This innovative approach addresses the critical need for sustainable energy solutions.
Carbon is a fundamental element that not only forms the basis of life but also plays a crucial role in the modern world, driving many technological advancements. It’s present in a wide range of products and technologies, from the petrol that powers our cars to the cushioning in our running shoes, the electronics we use daily, construction materials, and components of electric vehicles.
Removing up to 99% CO2 from the exhaust gases
In this regard, RWE, in charge of site-demonstration testing in the ECO2Fuel project, has successfully demonstrated a new method of generating back-up power using environmentally friendly fuels, known as e-Fuels. They used a stationary engine with an electric output of 200 kW for this purpose. The exhaust gases produced by this engine are sent back to a carbon capture plant, which uses a chemical process with amines (compounds often used to remove CO2) to capture carbon dioxide. This plant captures 7.2tonnes of CO2 per day, at a capture rate of 90% of the CO2 from the exhaust gases. In a recent testing campaign, a capture rate of 99.8% was achieved, resulting in a lower CO2 concentration in the off-gas from the carbon capture plant than in the atmosphere.
The captured CO2 is then used as a raw material for the ECO2Fuel demonstrator, which will have a capacity of 1 MW and produces carbon-based e-Fuels. These e-Fuels can be reused in the engine, creating a cycle that recycles the carbon rather than releasing it into the atmosphere, thus “closing the carbon loop”. In each cycle fossil carbon is replaced by recycled carbon and emissions from fossil feedstock are avoided. Additionally, the high-temperature exhaust gas from the engine is being studied for its potential to be reused for heating and improving overall energy efficiency.
The experts specifically looked at the effects of increased oxygen and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gas on the performance of the CO2 capture plant, including the energy needed to regenerate the solvent, emissions, and solvent degradation. To do all of this, RWE Power has performed testing campaigns in its operational infrastructure at the Innovation Centre at Niederaussem (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany). RWE Power is part of RWE AG, Germany’s largest power producer. The company contributes with its power production capacity of about 6 GW based on lignite, and hydro power to the broad energy mix of the RWE group with renewable energies and natural gas.
To summarise, the advancement presented by our partners lies in the successful integration and demonstration of a closed carbon loop system. This combines e-Fuel combustion, CO2 capture and recycling, and heat reuse, contributing to the broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions in the energy, transport, and industrial sectors.
Building a low-carbon, climate resilient Europe
This demonstration is a huge milestone in the journey of ECO2Fuel, an European initiative aiming at creating the world’s first 1MW low-temperature electrochemical CO2 conversion system. In ECO2Fuel, 15 international partners from the chemical, energy, hydrogen, mechanical engineering and automotive industry, and several research institutions are working together to build a low-carbon, climate resilient future by converting 742 tonnes of CO2 per year into economic and sustainable liquid e-fuels and chemicals.
The efforts made by ECO2Fuel contribute to the ambitious objectives of the European Union in the field of emissions reduction. As expressed by the European Parliament with the adoption of the European Climate Law, which raises the EU’s target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions at least 55% by 2030 (from the current 40%) and makes climate neutrality by 2050 legally binding.
ECO2Fuel is setting a new standard for sustainable energy solutions by demonstrating how carbon can be recycled and reused rather than emitted into the atmosphere. The recent advancement in the project showcases a closed carbon loop system, proving that it’s possible to use e-Fuels and CO2 capture technology to reduce emissions significantly.
By converting CO2 into valuable e-Fuels and exploring ways to reuse heat, ECO2Fuel is actively contributing to the EU’s climate goals and demonstrating a viable path toward a net-zero future. These efforts not only change the narrative around carbon use but also inspire hope for a more sustainable, low-carbon Europe.
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