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The Race to Develop Efficient Catalysts for CO2 Electrolysis

As nations around the world strive to combat climate change, new technologies are needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One promising area is CO2 electrolysis—using renewable electricity to convert CO2 into value-added carbon-based fuels and chemicals. However, realizing this technology at scale requires overcoming key challenges in the development of electrocatalysts.

The Race to Develop Efficient Catalysts for CO2 Electrolysis

Electrocatalysts accelerate the reactions at electrodes to drive the CO2 conversion process. But efficiently catalyzing CO2 reduction reactions has proven difficult. The process requires high energy input to activate the stable CO2 molecule, often resulting in high overpotentials. This leads to low efficiency and selectivity.

To make CO2 electrolysis commercially viable, scientists must discover new catalysts that can:

  • Drive CO2 reduction at high rates but with low overpotentials, maintaining a high electrical efficiency.
  • Selectively produce target fuels like methanol or ethanol rather than a mixture of products.
  • Use abundant, non-critical materials for scalability and avoiding supply risks.
  • Demonstrate long-term stability for sustained industrial operation.
  • Allow high catalytic activity at the low temperatures optimal for the polymer membranes and cells.
  • Be produced economically at scale and integrated into electrode and cell fabrication.

Both the cathode and anode reactions require next-gen electrocatalyst innovation. On the cathode side, copper-based materials have shown promise for converting CO2 to hydrocarbons and alcohols. But further tuning through nanostructuring and doping is needed to enhance selectivity and reduce overpotentials.

Meanwhile, non-precious metal alternatives are needed for the oxygen evolution reaction at the anode. Metal oxides like nickel-iron oxides have potential but require optimization for activity and durability.

Researchers are also investigating innovative techniques like computational modeling and machine learning to accelerate electrocatalyst discovery and optimization.

By surmounting these interlinked catalyst challenges, researchers can unlock the full potential of CO2 electrolysis in the urgent fight against climate change. The race is on to develop the robust, selective, and scalable catalysts needed to turn CO2 into fuels sustainably.

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Carbon Under the Sea: A Promising Solution to Climate Change

The ocean covers about 71% of the Earth’s surface and contains about 50 times more water than the atmosphere. It is also a major sink for carbon dioxide, absorbing about 20% of the carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere each year.

Carbon Under the Sea: A Promising Solution to Climate Change
Carbon Under the Sea: A Promising Solution to Climate Change

The deep seabed is even more efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide than the upper layers of the ocean. This is because the deep seabed is cold and under high pressure, which makes it more difficult for carbon dioxide to escape.

The Benefits of Storing Carbon Dioxide in the Ocean

There are several potential benefits to storing carbon dioxide in the ocean. First, it is a large and relatively secure storage space. The ocean is vast and deep, and the deep seabed is covered by a layer of sediment that helps to protect the carbon dioxide from being released.

Second, storing carbon dioxide in the ocean could help to reduce ocean acidification. Ocean acidification occurs when the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide, which makes the water more acidic. This can harm marine life, such as coral reefs and shellfish.

Third, storing carbon dioxide in the ocean could help to mitigate climate change. By removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, it can help to slow the rate of global warming.

The Risks of Storing Carbon Dioxide in the Ocean

While there are several potential benefits to storing carbon dioxide in the ocean, there are also some potential risks. One risk is that the carbon dioxide could react with seawater and form harmful compounds. These compounds could potentially harm marine life or even humans.

Another risk is that the carbon dioxide could be released back into the atmosphere if the deep seabed is disturbed. This could happen if there is an earthquake or other natural disaster. It could also happen if humans accidentally disturb the seabed.

More Research Needed

More research is needed to assess the risks and benefits of storing carbon dioxide in the ocean. However, if the technology can be developed safely and effectively, it could offer a promising solution to climate change.

The Future of Carbon Dioxide Storage in the Ocean

The potential of storing carbon dioxide in the ocean is a promising area of research. If the technology can be developed safely and effectively, it could offer a significant contribution to the fight against climate change.

There are currently several projects underway to explore the feasibility of storing carbon dioxide in the ocean. One project, called the Northern Lights project, is being developed by a consortium of companies in Norway. The project would involve injecting carbon dioxide into the deep seabed off the coast of Norway.

Another project, called the Carbfix project, is being developed by a consortium of companies in Iceland. The project would involve injecting carbon dioxide into basalt rock, which would react with the carbon dioxide to form stable carbonate minerals.

These are just two examples of the many projects that are underway to explore the potential of storing carbon dioxide in the ocean. As the technology continues to develop, it is likely that we will see more projects of this nature in the future.

Conclusion

The potential of storing carbon dioxide in the ocean is a promising area of research. If the technology can be developed safely and effectively, it could offer a significant contribution to the fight against climate change.

Learn more about the potential of storing carbon dioxide in the ocean at: https://www.ciphernews.com/carbon-under-the-sea

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Decipher the Certification of Carbon Dioxide Removals: A Comprehensive Analysis

In the quest to combat climate change, the certification of carbon dioxide removals has emerged as a critical element. This article, based on an extensive study conducted by the Umweltbundesamt, provides an in-depth analysis of the Commission’s proposal on the certification of carbon dioxide removals.

The Basics of Carbon Dioxide Removal Certification

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is a key strategy in the global fight against climate change. It involves the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere and its storage in geological, terrestrial, or ocean reservoirs, or in products. The certification of these removals is a crucial step in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of these efforts.

Decipher the Certification of Carbon Dioxide Removals: A Comprehensive Analysis

The European Commission has proposed a Certification Framework for Carbon Removals (CRCF) as a regulatory framework to monitor, report, verify, and certify activities which remove CO2 from the atmosphere in the EU. This framework is endorsed by scientific experts and has been extensively tested.

The Importance of High-Quality Certification

High-quality certification for CDR matters because it strengthens the trust in these removal methods and empowers the fight against climate change. The certification framework categorizes removal methods into three categories: permanent carbon storage, carbon farming, and carbon storage in products.

The certification process is designed to be transparent and accountable. All information on the certified removals is made publicly available and traceable, ensuring that the process is completely above board.

The European Commission’s Role in Carbon Dioxide Removal Certification

The European Commission plays a pivotal role in the certification of carbon dioxide removals. It has proposed a comprehensive framework that includes robust monitoring, reporting, and verification systems. This framework is designed to ensure that the removals are real, measurable, and additional to what is required by other policies and regulations.

The Commission’s proposal is a significant step towards achieving net-zero emissions throughout the EU by 2050 under the European Climate Law. It is a testament to the EU’s commitment to leading the world in carbon removal and climate change mitigation.

The Future of Carbon Dioxide Removal Certification

The certification of carbon dioxide removals is a rapidly evolving field. As our understanding of climate change and carbon removal methods improves, so too will the certification processes and standards. The European Commission’s proposal is just the beginning of this journey.

In the future, we can expect to see more stringent standards, more comprehensive monitoring and reporting systems, and a greater emphasis on transparency and accountability. The certification of carbon dioxide removals will continue to play a crucial role in our global fight against climate change.

In conclusion, the certification of carbon dioxide removals is a vital tool in our arsenal against climate change. It ensures the quality and effectiveness of carbon removal efforts and strengthens the trust in these methods. The European Commission’s proposal for a certification framework is a significant step forward in this regard, and it sets the stage for further advancements in the future.

Reference: https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/479/publikationen/cc_13-2023_certification_of_carbon_dioxide_removals.pdf

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Unraveling the Complexities of Carbon Capture and Storage: A Comprehensive Study by NABU

The world is grappling with the challenge of climate change, and one of the proposed solutions is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). This technology is not without its controversies and challenges, and it is the focus of an extensive study conducted by NABU, a German environmental organization.

Unraveling the Complexities of Carbon Capture and Storage: A Comprehensive Study by NABU

Understanding Carbon Capture and Storage

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a technology designed to reduce carbon emissions and tackle global warming. It involves three primary steps: capturing CO2, transporting it, and storing it deep underground in geological formations. The process begins with the separation of CO2 from other gases produced in industrial processes such as power generation or steel production. The compressed CO2 is then transported via pipelines, road transport, or ships for storage. Storage sites include saline aquifers or depleted oil and gas reservoirs that are typically at least 0.62 miles under the ground.

The NABU Study on CCS

NABU’s study on CCS is a comprehensive exploration of this technology, its potential, and its pitfalls. The study is not an opinion piece but a thorough examination based on scientific research and data. It delves into the various components of CCS, the extensive factors that influence its effectiveness, and the controversial aspects that make it a topic of heated debate.

The Controversial Aspects of CCS

CCS is not without its controversies. Critics argue that it is a license to pollute, allowing industries to continue their emissions-intensive operations under the guise of carbon capture. There are also concerns about the safety of storing vast amounts of carbon underground. Despite these controversies, the industry body, the Global CCS Institute, maintains that CCS has been in safe operation for over 45 years.

The Future of CCS

Despite the controversies, CCS is being adopted on a large scale worldwide. According to the Global CCS Institute’s report, there were 194 large-scale CCS facilities globally at the end of 2022 compared to 51 in 2019. Of these projects, 30 are operational, 11 are under construction, and the remainder are in different stages of development.

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)

An extension of CCS is Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), where captured carbon could be used instead of stored for industrial purposes. This approach has the potential to create new markets and make carbon capture more economically viable.

Conclusion

The study by NABU provides a comprehensive overview of Carbon Capture and Storage, its potential, and its controversies. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding this complex technology and its role in combating climate change.

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E-Fuels: The Carbon-Neutral Energy of the Future

The future of energy is here, and it’s called e-fuels. These advanced, carbon-neutral fuels are set to revolutionize the energy sector, offering a sustainable solution to the world’s growing energy demands. But what exactly are e-fuels, and how do they work? Let’s delve into the science behind this promising technology and explore its potential for transforming our global energy landscape.

Understanding E-Fuels

E-fuels, or synthetic fuels, are produced from hydrogen and CO2. The process, known as Power-to-X, converts renewable electricity into hydrogen through electrolysis. This hydrogen is then combined with carbon to produce fuels with high energy density, such as e-hydrogen, e-methane, e-methanol, or e-diesel.

These fuels are completely carbon-neutral, meaning they do not contribute to global warming. When burned, they release the same amount of CO2 that was used to produce them, resulting in a net-zero carbon footprint. This makes e-fuels a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.

The Role of E-Fuels in the Future of Energy

E-fuels have the potential to play a crucial role in our transition to a carbon-neutral future. They offer several advantages over traditional fossil fuels and other renewable energy sources. For one, they can be used in existing combustion engines, making them a practical and cost-effective solution for reducing emissions from the transport sector.

Moreover, e-fuels can be integrated into the existing fuel infrastructure, providing a seamless transition from fossil fuels. They also contribute to energy security and stability, offering a reliable and sustainable source of energy that is not subject to the fluctuations of the fossil fuel market.

However, the production of e-fuels is currently more expensive than that of traditional fuels, and they are not yet produced on a large enough scale to meet global energy demands. As such, significant investment in research and development is needed to improve the efficiency of e-fuel production and bring down costs.

The Future is Bright for E-Fuels

Despite the challenges, experts are optimistic about the future of e-fuels. With the right political support and technological innovation, e-fuels could become a major player in the global energy market. As we strive towards a carbon-neutral future, e-fuels offer a promising path forward, providing a sustainable and efficient solution to our global energy needs.

In conclusion, e-fuels represent a significant step forward in our quest for sustainable, carbon-neutral energy. As we continue to innovate and develop this promising technology, the future of energy looks brighter than ever.

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Can investing in CCU technologies unlock a sustainable and greener future?

In a world increasingly consumed by the urgency of climate change, the quest for solutions is paramount. One of the leading culprits in this global crisis is the relentless emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) into our atmosphere. Enter “Carbon Capture and Utilization” (CCU), an innovative approach that aims to transform CO2 from an environmental foe into a valuable asset.

Picture this: CCU technologies like ECO2Fuel work to convert CO2 captured from industrial processes or directly from the air, using only three simple ingredients—CO2, water, and green electricity. The result? E-fuels or green value-added chemicals that help to reduce the overall CO2 burden on our atmosphere.

But, like many cutting-edge solutions, CCU technologies face a formidable obstacle: cost. At present, it’s more expensive to produce chemicals from CO2 than from traditional fossil fuels. Time may be a great healer, but it’s a luxury we cannot afford in the race against climate change. So, the call to action is clear: more investments must be funnelled into advancing CCU technologies, driving down costs and ramping up efficiencies.

Apart from the glaring reality that climate change poses a serious threat to our existence, there are additional reasons why investing in CCU is crucial:

  1. Economic growth and job creation: Developing and implementing CCU technologies can lead to the creation of new industries, spurring economic growth and generating employment opportunities.
  2. Energy security: By converting CO2 into valuable resources like e-fuels, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and move towards a more sustainable and secure energy future.
  3. Waste reduction: Utilizing CO2 as a raw material for the production of valuable chemicals and materials can minimize waste and promote a circular economy.
  4. Enhanced global cooperation: Investments in CCU technologies can foster international collaboration in research, development, and implementation, helping to unite countries in the fight against climate change.
  5. Technological innovation: Funding CCU research and development can lead to breakthroughs in other related fields, such as renewable energy, energy storage, and advanced materials.
  6. Environmental benefits: Apart from mitigating CO2 emissions, CCU technologies can have positive knock-on effects on air quality and ecosystems, contributing to a healthier planet overall.

Together, we can turn the tide against climate change by supporting and investing in CCU technologies, which not only help to mitigate the impacts of our carbon footprint but also pave the way for a sustainable and greener future.

At ECO2Fuel, in collaboration with the European Union and numerous industry partners, we’re not just talking the talk—we’re walking the walk. Together, we’re taking charge and forging ahead to develop the world’s most efficient and economically viable direct CO2 electrolyser, operating at an unparalleled scale of 1MW.

Join us on this groundbreaking journey and become a part of the thriving ECO2Fuel community.

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Two eCCU pilot plants at one site

A raving success: Trilateral Online Workshop eCCU3 on Carbon Capture and Electrochemical Utilization of CO2 counts 424 participants from all over the world

Without a strong contribution from all economic sectors the net-zero climate protection targets cannot be achieved. Fossil feedstock for the chemical industry and fossil fuels for long-distance transport must be substituted. Therefore, the reduction of CO₂ emissions by carbon capture and utilization (CCU) and an intersectoral carbon cycle economy will be crucial for the transformation of the supply systems in the future.

Benefits of lectrochemical synthesis technologies

Very promising are electrochemical synthesis technologies (eCCU) to produce fuels and base chemicals from renewable electricity and captured CO₂ as they can simplify process chains, reduce components and avoid high temperatures and pressures. In contradiction, the conventional thermo-chemical synthesis routes based on CO₂ and electrolytically produced H2 typically require temperatures >300°C and pressures >20bar for the reverse water-gas-shift reaction and consecutive process steps. Additionally, eCCU reduces the need for a H2 infrastructure, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and offers security of supply and grid stability in an energy scenario relying heavily on renewable power generation.

eCCU3 Workshop

For the economic viability it is a great advantage to couple the cathodic CO₂ reduction with a suitable oxidation reaction at the anode in order to avoid the formation of oxygen which normally cannot be utilized and would then be released to the atmosphere. Coupling of oxidative and reductive electrosynthesis processes is a key to improve efficiency while reducing costs, wastes and emissions.

eCCU3 Workshop

Introducing the OCEAN project

That is exactly what is now demonstrated as part of the European Horizon 2020-funded project OCEAN (No. 767798; www.spire2030.eu/ocean) at RWE’s Innovation Center at Niederaussem, Germany.

The process was engineered by Avantium, a leading technology company in renewable chemistry from the Netherlands, and the 6 kWel unit was constructed by the Italian engineering company Hysytech. Potassium formate is produced simultaneously at both electrodes of the electrochemical cell, cathode and anode. At the anode, glycerol – a by-product of the biodiesel production – is the feedstock and at the cathode CO₂ is converted. In consecutive processes, oxalic acid can be produced from the formate as an intermediate for high-value specialty chemicals.

E-fuels will be needed in applications where the poor energy density of batteries or hydrogen is prohibitive (e.g. aviation and long-haul transportation by truck and ship). E-fuels like alcohols and hydrocarbons offer a way to store and transport chemical energy effectively with a high density at a large scale and for long periods of time.

eCCU3 Workshop

From LOTER.CO2M to ECO2Fuel

E-fuels allow to use the existing supply system and infrastructure and could defossilize the existing vehicle fleet. The project LOTER.CO2M (No. 761093; www.loterco2m.eu) has developed advanced low-cost electro-catalysts for the direct electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to methanol and other important industrial feedstocks, like ethanol and ethylene.

The developed electrochemical synthesis system works without the use of critical raw materials. A containerized 5 kWel demonstrator of the low-temperature and low-pressure CO₂-H2O co-electrolysis has been manufactured by the Belgian technology developer VITO. The LOTER.CO2M technology builds the basis for the follow-up project ECO2Fuel (No. 101037389) which aims at the realization of the worldwide first low-temperature 1 MW direct, electrochemical CO₂ conversion system to produce sustainable liquid e-fuels (C1-C4 alcohols) under industrially relevant conditions.

International Energy Agency
International Energy Agency

Klick here to download the full press release

The OCEAN and LOTER.CO2M units are fed by CO₂ that is captured by RWE’s amine-based post-combustion capture pilot plant. It’s operated 24/7 by the team on site. In the ongoing test program, the performance of the technology is assessed. The operational behavior during startup, ramp up/down cycles, operational parameter variations and continuous full-load operation are evaluated. Both projects have received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the grant agreements No 767798 (OCEAN) and 761093 (LOTER.CO2M).

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eCCU3 – A Trilateral Online Workshop on Carbon Capture & Electrochemical CO2 Utilization

Carbon Capture and electrochemical Utilization of CO2 – From research to industrial application

Without a substantial contribution from all economic sectors the net-zero climate protection targets cannot be achieved. Fossil feedstock for the chemical industry and fossil fuels for long-distance transport must be substituted. Therefore, the reduction of CO2 emissions by carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) and an intersectoral carbon cycle economy will be crucial in the transformation of the future supply systems. Very promising are electrochemical synthesis technologies to produce fuels and base chemicals from water, renewable electricity, and captured CO2 as they avoid the effort of high synthesis temperatures and pressures.

In contradiction, the conventional thermochemical synthesis routes based on CO2 and electrolytically produced H2 typically require temperatures >300°C and pressures >20bar for the reverse-water gas-shift reaction and consecutive reaction steps. Additionally, eCCU reduces the need for a H2 infrastructure and the coupling of renewable power generation and carbon utilisation offers carbon-neutral chemicals and fuels, security of supply, grid stability, and emission reduction. 

Twenty-two partners from nine countries representing industry, research institutes, and universities are advancing the electrochemical CO2 utilisation in the three European-funded projects LOTER.CO2M, ECO2Fuel and OCEAN by demonstrating the complete technology chains at RWE’s Innovation Center at Niederaussem, comprising post-combustion CO2 capture and its utilisation in the electrochemical synthesis units of:

Critical Raw Material-free Low-Temperature Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to Methanol The 5 kW demonstrator of LOTER.CO2M uses advanced, low-cost electrocatalysts and membranes for the direct electrochemical reduction of CO2 to methanol and ethanol by low-temperature CO2-H2O co-electrolysis. LOTER.CO2M passes the baton on to the follow-up project ECO2Fuel.

Large-scale low-temperature electrochemical CO2 Conversion to sustainable liquid fuels ECO2Fuel aims to design, manufacture, operate, and validate the worldwide first low-temperature 1 MW direct, electrochemical CO2 conversion system to produce sustainable liquid e-fuels (C1-C4 alcohols) under industrially relevant conditions.

Oxalic acid from CO2 using electrochemistry at demonstration scale The 6 kW unit of OCEAN demonstrates an innovative tandem electro-synthesis: Potassium formate is produced simultaneously at both electrodes of the electrochemical cell, cathode and anode. At the anode, glycerol – a by-product of the biodiesel production – is the resource. At the cathode CO2 is the feedstock. In consecutive processes oxalic acid can be produced from the formate.

The eCCU3 Workshop brings together the international experts from the three European demonstration projects, scientists from various research fields, and the public. It will provide a broad overview of the progress and potential of eCCU. The attendees can follow six presentations on all aspects of electrochemical CO2 utilisation and have the opportunity to discuss the status and prospects of the technology.

The three projects have received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the grant agreements No 767798 (OCEAN), 761093 (LOTER.CO2M) and 101037389 (ECO2Fuel).

The ECO2Fuel project will therefore consolidate the EU’s first-mover advantage in the green technology sector and strengthen its competitiveness with an innovative and disruptive technology to meet its emission targets by 2050.

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The future of industrial scale production of carbon-neutral fuels and chemicals

The radical reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will require actions in all sectors that are inherently different and difficult, asking for an almost total re-thinking of our day-to-day energy management. This is how LOTER.CO2M was born.

Droughts and wildfires, freshwater shortages, floods, pests and invasive species, food and water wars, and climate migration are just some of the threats we face today with climate change in Europe.

As a forerunner in environmental protection worldwide, the European Union attempts to pull the plug on global warming with its many initiatives, especially the Green Deal. With its 2030 Climate Target Plan under the Green Deal, the European Commission proposes raising the EU’s ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to at least 55% below 1990 levels by 2030.

However, this radical reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will require actions in all sectors that are inherently different and difficult, asking for an almost total re-thinking of our day-to-day energy management. This increases the hurdle to achieving efficient decarbonisation cost-effectively on time. And while it is true that a green carbon-neutral future isn’t achievable without implementing significant changes, we need to have low-threshold solutions allowing us to kickstart the transition without larger sacrifices to our everyday life quality.

With this in mind, we initiated LOTER.CO2M (This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 under the Grant Agreement number 761093) in 2018 attempting to convert CO2 with renewable electricity and water into carbon-neutral fuels and value-added chemicals in a single step without the need for hydrogen.

By doing this we replace the fossil carbon in fuels and critical chemicals with renewable, recycled carbon from CO2 and ease the transition to a carbon-neutral future without any compromises.

In three years of intensive research and development with partners from the industry (RWE, Bekaert, JohnsonMatthey EWII, and research organisations DLR, CNR, VITO, UVP and DTU) we developed critical raw material free catalysts, membranes, stack and a functioning 5kW CO2 electrolyzer and raised the technological readiness level from three to five.

Today, the electroylzer is operated at RWE in Niederaußem with waste CO2 and renewable electricity to efficiently generate carbon-neutral fuels (mainly carbon monoxide, methane, and ethylene).

Following this success story aiming to further our contribution to the EU’s climate target plan, we head out to upscale the LOTER.CO2M technology to build the world’s first direct CO2 electrolyzer at a 1MW scale and received the support of the European Union. As of October 2021, experts from 15 international organizations from industry and research are working together in the ECO2Fuel project to lift the LOTER.CO2M’s technology readiness level from 5 to 7 and push it toward commercialization for a greener and fossil fuel independent future.

The 1MW ECO2Fuel CO2 electrolyzer will convert 229 tons of CO2 to carbon-neutral fuels and chemicals considering a direct connection to renewable energy sources with an operation time of 2701 hours/year, which translates to converting 85kg of CO2 per hour.

The ECO2Fuel project will therefore consolidate the EU’s first-mover advantage in the green technology sector and strengthen its competitiveness with an innovative and disruptive technology to meet its emission targets by 2050.