directCCE - Direct Carbon Capture and Electrolysis
The project "Direct Carbon Capture and Electrolysis" (directCCE) aims to make a significant contribution to achieving climate neutrality in the intensive and manufacturing industries, securing Austria's position as a leading industrial location.
directCCE builds on previous research on combining CO₂ absorption and direct electrocatalytic conversion, enabling the synthesis of synthetic hydrocarbons in a comparatively simple process. The project aims to demonstrate this technology on a semi-industrial scale, with a capacity of about one ton of CO₂ per week.
The project's centerpiece is an integrated CO₂ capture and electrolysis process that converts CO₂-rich flue gas into synthesis gas. This gas then serves as a raw material to produce climate-neutral hydrocarbons. A specially developed combination of an electrolyte, capable of dissolving large quantities of CO₂, with highly efficient catalysts for the electrochemical CO₂ conversion plays a central role. This innovative process promises lower energy consumption, high cycle stability, and lower investment costs compared to traditional processes.
With milestones such as the establishment of infrastructure, completion of flue gas treatment, and optimization of the catalyst material, directCCE not only pursues technological advancements but also a clear strategy for the patenting and exploitation of the developed technologies. The project's results will be crucial in facilitating the transition to a climate-neutral waste incineration and simultaneously promoting the development of proprietary technologies 'Made in Austria'.
The directCCE project is a pioneering step towards the complete decarbonization of industrial energy systems, highlighting Austria's commitment to sustainable industrial processes and environmental protection. By bringing together science, industry, and technology, directCCE demonstrates how innovative solutions can contribute to tackling the climate crisis while simultaneously strengthening Austria's economic location.