CEEGS (CO2 based electrothermal energy and geological storage system) is a cross-sectoral technology for energy transition, with a renewable energy storage system based on the transcritical CO2 cycle, CO2 storage in geological formations and geothermal heat extraction. It is a highly efficient, cost-effective, and scalable (small-to large-scale) concept for large-capacity renewable energy storage. Extended capacity is obtained due to the underground system. It can be integrated into the grid, heating and cooling districts and industries. It also has the capacity for partial CO2 sequestration. The main objective of the project is to provide scientific proof of the techno-economic feasibility of the technology, raising the current low TRL 2 to TRL 4 by addressing gaps in the interface between surface transcritical cycle and the subsurface CO2 storage. CEEGS follows a 3-phase approach: i) From theoretical principles to models, simulations and processes in which advanced numerical simulations integrate reservoir behaviour, wellbore design and surface plant design; ii) From models and simulations to systems/experimental verification addressing CEEGS integration and efficiency in energy systems, with digital functional and laboratory models developed and components validated with results from the CO2 pilot-scale projects and; iii) Social, economic and sustainability assessments where social acceptance studies, LCA and TEA tools evaluate impacts and concept deployment with renewables, hard-to-decarbonise industries, district heating and cooling, or in grid balance. The project is completed with WP1 for coordination and WP7 for results dissemination and exploitation. The project integrates the knowledge and networks for a successful implementation in 3 years with a consortium with partners from 5 EU countries, with multidisciplinary skills on energy systems, energy storage, geology, geothermal systems and CO2 geological storage

The goal of the project ZEOCAT-3D is the development of a new bi-functional (two types of active centers) structured catalysts, achieving for the first time a tetramodal pore size distribution (micro-, meso1-, meso2-, macro-porous) and high dispersion of metal active sites for the conversion of methane, coming from different sources as natural gas and biogas, into high value chemicals such as aromatics (benzene, naphthalene, among others) via methane dehydroaromatization (MDA). The main drawbacks associated with this process are: Low methane conversion, low selectivity towards the desired products and the quickly deactivation due to carbon deposition onto catalyst. These problems will be overcome by the use of hierarchical zeolites structures synthetized by 3D-printing and loaded with doped molybdenum nano-oxides. The methodology of the project will go from laboratory to pilot scale demonstration in a real environment. Catalyst design and operation conditions will be optimized for different methane feedstock at lab-scale and then upscaling and construction of a final prototype will be carried out. The optimisation of these catalytic processes will bring enormous advantages for increasing the exploitation of natural gas and biogas, since ZEOCAT-3D is very well in accordance with the programme topic NMBP-24, regarding development industrial process to obtain high value chemicals at the same time that the dependence from the current fossil fuel is reduced.

TThe FuelGae project aims to develop a novel model of advanced liquid fuels (ALF) production from different CO2 emissions streams of two industrial sectors (biorefinery and energy intensive industries) through a microalgae pilot plant integrated into their infrastructure. The performance of the selected microalgae strains will be improved by adapting them to each industrial case study. The ALF production will be addressed developing different technologies: i) selective production of microalgae to obtain polysaccharides or lipids, ii) alternative microalgal biomass treatments, iii) innovative catalytic upgrading systems from biocrude., iv) online microalgae sensor. Additionally, to the previously innovative technologies, FuelGae concept uses modelling techniques integrated into Process Analytical Techniques to develop a global Digital Twin (DT). Furthermore, the C-economy of FuelGae approach will be significantly improved through hydrothermal liquefaction and, biogas processes. The biochar produced will be tested in agricultural uses creating synergies with energy and biocrude generation. All technologies will be upscaled to TRL5 in the two case study sites; the microalgae pilot plant will be transported and validated in the two industrial sites in Romania (steel plant) and Spain (2G-bioethanol). FuelGae technologies will be further evaluated through life cycle assessment (LCA/LCC) to confirm their lower environmental impact, use of resources, or GHG emissions, and a first approach of economical sustainability. DT will be coupled with LCA-LCC to provide a global and dynamic assessment of the FuelGae concept. FuelGae will contribute to advancing the European scientific basis and global technological leadership in the area of renewable fuels, increase their technology competitiveness and role in transforming the energy system on a fossil-free basis by 2050, in particular in the sectors like aviation and shipping, while supporting the EU goals for energy independence.

As a major contributor to the global CO2 emissions, the commodity chemical industry should be urgently coupled with renewable electricity to become independent from fossil fuel resources. ECOLEFINS aims to establish a new, all-electric paradigm for the electro-conversion of CO2 and H2O to light olefins, the key-intermediates for polymers and other daily life chemical products. The proposed concept reverses the heavy CO2 emissions associated to the petroleum-based light olefins production to massive CO2 capture and valorisation for carbon negative ethylene, propylene and butylene. The concept introduces co-ionic ceramic membrane reactors and short-stacks/modules that merge the anodic steam electrolysis for hydrogen production with the cathodic CO2 electrolysis and hydrogenation to light olefins, over tailored and nano-engineered electrodes; aiming to develop a substantially more effective technology, for the single-step, RES-powered artificial photosynthesis of CO2 to valuable chemicals. This ambition entails a multi-disciplinary task, requiring highly tuned synergies among cutting edge research in the fields of: i) advanced materials science & engineering for co-ionic composites, perovskite ex-solutions, and organometallics, ii) electrochemistry and electrochemical process engineering, iii) catalysis science and engineering, iv) computer aided materials design and atomic scale modelling, and v) digital real-scale process modelling and economic evaluation, along with a comprehensive sustainability assessment, applied social research for impact framing, and marketization planning.

MIDAS aims to develop, evaluate and optimize sustainable low-ILUC feedstock by developing selected industrial crops and cropping systems on European marginal agricultural land in a climate-resilient and biodiversity-friendly way to support feasible bio-based value chains. Mapping of the actual and future marginal lands that may be certified as low-ILUC, including current and future expectations on soil erosion and water stress as well as biodiversity challenges and potentials, ecosystem services, and guidelines for enhancing co-benefits will improve understanding of the available marginal land for “low-ILUC” biomass production. Selected industrial crops, already adapted to marginal lands, will be optimized through modern biotechnology tools - particularly for water-use efficiency - and through tailored agronomic practices towards improved resource efficiency. Case studies of innovative farming systems (intercropping, agroforestry) established on marginal land at farm level will improve harvesting solutions, biodiversity data and guidelines while relevant actors (farming community, bio-based industry & academia) will be engaged through Regional Advisory Groups. From the produced biomass innovative bio-based products (biochemicals, composites, and elastomers) will be developed, following the biorefinery and the circular use concept. Potential biomass-to-product(s) pathways will be identified, leading to value chain/ web concepts that will be assessed for sustainability and will produce a multi-criteria tool for the design of sustainable bio-based value webs while enhancing regional biodiversity. Finally business plans to foster circularity at farm level by engaging the farming community, industrial actors and academia through the projects’ Case Studies will be developed. Moreover, through international cooperation (Brazil, Canada) on crops, cropping systems and bio based products MIDAS allows best practices exchange and contributes to win-win scenarios development.