The University of Valladolid’s Institute of Bioeconomy has made progress in the field of energy sustainability with the development of the CO₂UP project , a process that converts CO₂ into high-value chemicals using plant biomass waste.
This research, led by Dr. Ángel Martín, in collaboration with the Naturgy Foundation and the Spanish National Research Council ( CSIC ), aims to offer effective solutions to current environmental challenges and move toward a low-carbon economy.
The conversion of biomass waste into high-value chemical materials
The CO₂UP project , funded by the Naturgy Foundation, has focused on the development and validation of a process that captures and converts CO₂ into valuable chemicals such as organic acids , alcohols , methanol , and formic acid . This process is carried out using plant biomass waste as a reductant in a hydrothermal reduction process.
This process has the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions by converting them into useful products, contributing to the fight against climate change and helping to meet global decarbonization goals. Furthermore, by using biomass waste , the project promotes the circular economy by adding value to the byproducts of the agricultural and forestry industries.
The pilot plant has a treatment capacity of 25,000 kg of CO₂ per year and could be integrated into larger-scale industrial facilities, such as the biomass boilers at the University of Valladolid , generating a positive impact on both emissions reduction and the production of high-value chemicals.
Through thorough research, the stoichiometric ratio of reactants has been identified as a determining factor in reducing energy consumption and improving the process’s competitiveness compared to current CO₂ capture and storage technologies. Furthermore, progress has been made in the separation and fractionation of the chemicals obtained through the use of selective membranes, which improves system efficiency and allows for the production of products with higher purity.
The Naturgy Foundation has played a leading role in funding and promoting research, with the aim of accelerating the energy transition and fostering sustainability in the energy sector. Rafael Villaseca, president of the Naturgy Foundation , highlighted the importance of this project within the framework of decarbonization and the promotion of innovative technologies in the energy sector. For her part, Eloísa del Pino, president of the CSIC , highlighted the impact of this collaboration, which reinforces the CSIC’s commitment to excellent research and energy sustainability.
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Source and photo: Naturgy
