HiCon · Highly Efficient Reactor for Conversion of CO2 and H2O to Carbon Neutral Fuels and Chemicals

A novel, highly efficient technology, to enable the synthesis of Carbon Neutral Fuels and Chemicals from CO2 and H2O employing renewable energy is proposed. The approach is based on an innovative reactor technology that produces cost-effectively green precursors for Carbon Neutral Fuels and Chemicals. The technology enables operation at non-demanding, low temperatures with unprecedented efficiency that overcomes many of the key challenges of existing technologies, exploiting radical innovations in materials and reactor engineering. The modular, easily scalable, reactor design can be integrated in/ coupled to a number of technological values chains, processes and industrial sectors, providing a sustainable pathway to net zero and achieving the European decarbonization goals. This is a cross-cutting, transformative technology for energy intensive industries, while maintaining the value of past investments in existing infrastructures (e.g. in downstream hydrocarbon processing, power generation technology, automotive industry). As such it consists of a real “just transition”, one that “leaves no one behind” as it does not disrupt the fabric of the society by marginalizing the specialized and capable European workforce in these sectors. The consortium consists of seven partners from five countries and includes a well-known university, an internationally leading energy company, a specialized materials and chemicals company, a multi-technology renewable energy developer and 3 innovative SMEs in clean energy & mobility and advanced electronics.