Alternative routes for basic chemicals production using hydrogen as feedstock

ALCHEMHY aims to develop a set of innovative electrified processes to produce platform chemicals, particularly ammonia, i.e. a Magnetic-Heated Sorption-Enhanced Reactor (MSER) and Direct ElectroSynthesis of Ammonia (DESA); and methanol, i.e. a Small-Flexible Methanol Reactor (SFMR) and a Plasma-Catalytic Hydrogenation process (PCH).

To this end, processes configuration will be optimised and novel materials and catalysts comaptible with the electric input will be developed, optimising their performance, ramp-up times and enabling milder conditions.

This will support the intensification and downscaling of the ammonia and methanol production, facilitating decentralised production integrated with downstream processes and renewable energy generation.

This is crucial to decarbonise the production of both chemicals, as current production heavily relies on fossil natural gas for hydrogen generation.

The 4 processes will be demonstrated at TRL 6 in relevant experimental facilities, while the technical and economic feasibility of the processes will be studied through a technoeconomic assessment (TEA) in two use cases: integrated ammonia and caprolactam production and refinery decarbonisation through CCU + a downstream methanol-to-olefin process.

The processes upscaling, operation and TEA will be supported through dynamic modelling of the processes, generating a digital twin of the processes and a DSS to support H2 value chain design.

The project consortium consists of 16 partners from 7 EU countries, with diversified expertise and knowledge in the addressed processes and access to the required lab and pilot infrastructure.

The project will contribute to the development of a sustainable chemical industry, supporting the creation of green jobs and improving the competitiveness of European industries, while contributing to a more resilient and secure energy system for the EU, reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels.