Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) offers a way to reduce unavoidable CO2 emissions by using carbon dioxide as a raw material in industry. With a new funding competition, the state government is now supporting projects that want to use CO2 from industrial, biogenic or atmospheric sources in production. Six million euros from state funds are available for this purpose, and up to three projects can be funded.
The aim is to support practical research and development projects that enable climate-neutral use of the captured CO2 and at the same time strengthen climate protection and regional networking. CO2 can be used in products such as insulation, toothbrushes, window frames or shampoo bottles and can also serve as a nutrient for microorganisms that are useful in the production of biofuels or plastics. Other areas of application include the production of carbon fibers and basic chemicals such as polyethylene, polypropylene or ethanol.
The competition is aimed at consortia of companies, universities, research institutions, clubs, associations and communities. Each consortium must include at least two companies, one of which uses the captured CO2. The CO2 can come from biogenic or atmospheric sources as well as from combustion processes.
Project outlines can be submitted to the Ministry of Economics, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia by January 31, 2025. Further information, requirements and documents can be found here .
Source: MWIKE
