Welcome to eMetCO2 project

We join efforts on advancing electrocatalysts and reactors for eCO2R, targeting the production of methanol from captured CO2.

Objectives

Approach

Structure

Results

The Challenges

Electrochemical CO2 reduction(eCO2R) offers a sustainable solution, leveraging carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies to lower greenhouse gas emissions while producing high-value chemicals and fuels like methanol. Despite its potential, eCO2R technology for methanol production remains at a low technology readiness level (TRL), requiring advancements in electrocatalysts and process design. Innovation is critical to making this conversion route technically and commercially viable while fostering awareness of the societal benefits of clean energy transitions.

Advanced eCO2RR into methanol electrocatalysts and electrodes

Novel electrochemical reactor configuration

Device operation in an efficient, selective, and cost-effective manner

Device scale-up and system integration

eNETmix-based CO2 electrolyser for methanol production from flue gas

Improve global awareness for CCUS approach towards energy transition

Objectives

1

To develop an advanced and energy-efficient technology for eCO2RR to methanol, incorporating a novel electrochemical eNETmix-based reactor and innovative electrocatalysts.

2

To further improve global awareness of the impact that this innovative technology can have as an alternative CCUS approach in a clean, sustainable, and secure energy transition for all.

Approach

The eMetCO2 project combines the strengths of its partners to advance CCUS technologies. It focuses on developing a lab-scale prototype of an eNETmix-based electroliser for CO2 conversion into methanol, showcasing a cleaner and energy-efficient solution at the transnational level.

Experimental and simulation studies guide the development, aligning with EU recommendations for sustainable materials and chemicals. The project also evaluates circularity, techno-economic, environmental, and social aspects to ensure market and stakeholder engagement.

Benefiting from the design of the eMetCO2 project, it used a cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary approach supported in the three-layer research model: Technology-Market-Stakeholders, assured by the consortium international scientific expertise and industrial/business impact.

The device uses renewable energy and NETmix technology with advanced electrocatalysts, offering high efficiency and scalability. Its modular and decentralized design makes it flexible and suitable for on-site methanol production. By leveraging renewable energy and water, the project provides an energy-efficient, economically viable solution to reduce CO2 emissions, supporting global climate goals and a fair energy transition.

Structure

The eMetCO2 project will implement six interconnected work packages (WPs) aligned with the three-layer research model: Technology-Market-Stakeholders. Each WP will be managed by a WP leader (WL), who will integrate the expertise of the consortium partners.

WL: Universidad de Alicante (UA)
Participants: University of Tartu (UT)
Objectives:

  1. Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of novel Cu-derived and MOF electrocatalysts for eCO2R to methanol.
  2. Study of the electrocatalytic properties of the synthetized electrocatalysts to produce methanol from CO2. Evaluation of the activity, selectivity and stability in electrochemical H-cells and 3D-printed standard filter-press flow cells.
  3. Fabrication and validation of novel electrodes to be evaluated in an eNETmix reactor in WP2.

WL: Universidade do Porto (UPORTO)
Participants: UA, UC, UT, Net4CO2, RiaStone
Objectives:

  1. Development and characterization of an eNETmix reactor and a fully lab-scale system as versatile as possible to encompass the more promising configurations and operation modes.
  2. Optimization of the CO2 conversion into methanol in terms of eNETmix reactor configuration, operation mode, electrode material, and operational conditions.

WL: Universidad de Cantabria (UC)
Participants: UA, UPORTO, UT, Net4CO2, RiaStone Objectives:

  1. Analysis of the potential environmental performance of the eNETmix technology from a life cycle perspective (LCA).
  2. Analysis of the cost implication of the eNETmix technology by techno-economic assessment and life cycle cost (TEA/LCC).
  3. Analysis of the potential socio-economic impact of the eNETmix technology by life cycle cost (LCC) and social-life cycle assessment (S-LCA).

WL: Net4CO2
Participants: UA, UC, UPORTO, UT, RiaStone
Objectives:

  1. Elaboration of periodic reports (internal and external) including the annual and final project reports, in order to assure best results and their dissemination and communication.
  2. Formative evaluation to other projects in a similar field and implementation of feedback from other projects, as well as CETP monitoring team regarding improvements.
  3. Active participation in the CETPartnership Knowledge Community with the aim of leveraging exchange and co-create knowledge between RDI stakeholders and potentiate the best uses and synergies.

WL: Net4CO2
Participants: UA, UC, UPORTO, UT, RiaStone
Objectives:

  1. Promote close collaboration between the technology developers and the business partners, to assure the best outputs and uptake/integration of the new technology by the end-users.
  2. Elaboration of an exploitation plan that takes the technology beyond the end of the project in terms of technology roadmaps, finance requirements and industrial/commercial opportunities

WL: Net4CO2
Participants: UA, UC, UPORTO, UT, RiaStone
Objectives:

  1. Coordination of the technical and administrative activities.
  2. Ensure compliance with the Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) standards.
  3. Coordination and management of the communication and dissemination activities.

Expected Results

The project’s results and outcomes are expected to generate significant economic benefits while also promoting sustainability and circularity within the context of a clean energy transition.

Job creation
The project will create new job opportunities in the energy and chemical sectors.

Economic benefits
The sustainable onsite production of green methanol powered by renewables energy can benefit the industrial suppliers, the local community, and the economy, reducing costs and losses.

Circular business model
The project will explore new business models that promote the carbon circularity.