ICO2NIQ: Innovative electrochemical CO2 conversion to versatile feedstock

ICO2NIC is in the process of merging state-of-the-art polymer membrane technology for CO₂ capture with a cutting-edge Gas Diffusion electrochemical cell that will transform CO₂ into formic acid. This initiative is forging new pathways to enhance the value of formic acid by deploying pioneering biological processing methods, which are expected to yield valuable products and materials.

 

By turning carbon capture and utilization into a profitable endeavor, ICO2NIC is incentivizing major CO2 emitters to seize and monetize waste CO₂. Such efforts are instrumental in significantly curtailing global emissions.

 

The ICO2NIC consortium is establishing a comprehensive value chain, encompassing CO₂ emitters such as TUPRAS and end users like TUPRAS and P&G. Covering a spectrum of processes from carbon capture and purification to electrochemical conversion, and subsequent processing this collaborative framework is key to proving a self-sustaining business model that does not rely on external financial assistance.

 

Leading Research and Technology Organizations are enhancing the project with their expertise by integrating renewable energy sources with state-of-the-art digital monitoring and control systems. They are also evaluating the economic feasibility, environmental benefits, and potential for scaling up the concept by crafting a comprehensive techno-economic analysis and process design, alongside a life cycle assessment. The goal of these endeavors is to facilitate the capture of 6.45 million metric tons of CO₂ from TUPRAS refineries by 2040, and aspire to extend the capability to capture up to 75 million metric tons of CO₂ per year across the European Union’s refinery sector in the foreseeable future.

Our main tasks

• Development and implementation of the IMPROVE platform for RES integration
• Establishment and optimization of Data Hub within the European Open Science cloud framework
• Digital twin technology application for enhanced system modeling and analysis

Partners

AVANTIUM CHEMICALS | B.FAB | BIO BASE EUROPE PILOT PLANT | CO2 VALUE EUROPE | COOL PLANET TECHNOLOGIES | IDENER.AI | NOPALM INGREDIENTS | P&G | SINTEF | TNO | TÜPRAŞ

Start date – finish date

01 / 2025 - 12 / 2028