Recent advancements in carbon utilization technologies were showcased at the 7th Carbon2Chem Conference held in Berlin, Germany, on November 8, 2024. Over 200 participants gathered to discuss eight years of research focused on converting industrial CO 2
Professor Görge Deerberg, one of the coordinators of the Carbon2Chem project, emphasized the project's dual aim: to combat climate change and stimulate economic growth through Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU). He stated, “The idea of Carbon2Chem works!” highlighting that the methanol produced through this process is on par with commercially available products.
Dr. Cetin Nazikkol from thyssenkrupp AG expressed the urgency of scaling these technologies for industrial application, noting that financial support and early adopters are crucial for success. Ministerial Director Stefan Müller from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research underscored the significance of these solutions for the chemical, steel, and cement industries, asserting that while Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) incurs costs, CCU has the potential to generate revenue.
The conference also featured insights into the integration of project results. Dr. Florian Haakmann presented a comprehensive model linking the outcomes of various project partners, demonstrating the economic viability and efficiency of the proposed cross-industrial solutions.
Among the highlights was the discussion on innovative network simulation models that have been validated through experiments, providing a foundation for further processing and ecological assessments. The project has also explored cost factors associated with methanol and urea production, revealing that electricity and hydrogen costs significantly impact overall expenses.
Dr. Nina Kolbe discussed strategies to reduce CO 2
In a notable demonstration, Dr. Andreas Menne reported successful methanol production from steel production gases at a pilot facility, meeting industrial specifications. This development paves the way for scaling up operations to meet industrial demands.
Finally, Oliver Obrist introduced the eMethanol car, showcasing the practical application of methanol produced through the Carbon2Chem initiative, thus illustrating the potential for these technologies to contribute to sustainable transportation solutions.