Integration of a novel direct air CApTure And uTiLisation sYStem for rEnewable fuel production

The proposed project, “CATALYSE”, will develop, and maintain long-term collaborations between Europe, China, South Africa, and Nigeria towards renewable dimethyl ether (DME) fuel production from CO2.

This objective will be achieved through joint research in new process systems and material development in direct air capture (DAC) and utilisation.

This requires skills and knowledge in experimental study, process modelling, analysis and optimisation, computational material design and catalysis which will be strengthened by the individual mobility of researchers between Europe and the participating countries.

There are 14 partners involved in CATALYSE who are world-leading in their respective areas of which there are 3 industrial partners. CATALYSE will start in January 2025 for 48 months. There will be 25 experienced and 32 early-stage researchers to participate in 330 person-month exchange visits. A total of €1.52m funding is requested to support the planned exchange activities.

The European partners are experts in process modelling and optimisation, process intensification, computational material design, catalysis, and CO2 utilisation while the Chinese partners are experts in process intensification, green hydrogen production and DAC.

The South African partners are experts in DAC and sustainability assessments while the Nigeria partners are experts in renewable energy and green hydrogen production. Knowledge transfer and training will take place through the planned secondments. We will generate at least 30 Journal publications and 30 conference papers.

In addition, 2 Special Issues will be published in leading journals such as Applied Energy, 2 Workshops and 2 Special Sessions at major international conferences will be organised to disseminate project results.