Greenberry SNG | DAC-2-E-Methane

DAC-2-E-Methane: Realizing Carbon Capture Utilization for Energy Storage & Transportation

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‍Essen/Duisburg/Aachen, 25.06.2024. Greenlyte Carbon Technologies, the Institute of Energy and Environmental Process Engineering (LEE) of University of Duisburg-Essen, the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center (ZBT) and the Chair of Technical Thermodynamics (LTT) of RWTH Aachen University have joined forces to research the coupling of a Direct Air Capture (DAC) plant with a catalytic methane synthesis. The project will showcase a carbon capture utilization case in the heart of the industrial Ruhr area and is co-funded by the European Union and the state of NRW as part of the EFRE "Energie.IN.NRW" innovation competition.

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Timeline: Q2 2024 - Q2 2027

‍Background

The expansion of renewable energies is leading to a steady increase in the supply of electrical energy. To store and transport this energy efficiently, it is increasingly being converted to hydrogen (H2). However, H2 has a low energy density at moderate pressure, and the necessary infrastructure yet needs to be built. The DAC-2-E-Methane cooperation project offers an innovative solution for converting large amounts of electrical energy into methane. By converting green H2 and carbon dioxide (CO2) captured from the air into methane, a climate-neutral energy source is produced that can be easily fed into the existing natural gas network. This enables long-term availability and transportability of the stored energy.

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Project partners and objectives

Greenlyte Carbon Technologies, the Institute of Energy and Environmental Process Engineering (LEE) of the University of Duisburg-Essen, the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center (ZBT) and the Chair of Technical Thermodynamics (LTT) of RWTH Aachen University are working together in this pioneering project. They are jointly exploring the coupling of a disruptive DAC process with catalytic methane synthesis. The collaborative project includes the construction and operation of a demonstrator as well as detailed simulations for operational optimization on process and system level as well as an environmental assessment. The high energy efficiency of Greenlyte's innovative DAC process, which can be operated with renewable energy and a high degree of flexibility, forms the basis of this project.

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Significance of the project for NRW and beyond

"DAC-2-E-Methane" is a flagship project that is helping to develop NRW into the most modern and climate-friendly industrial location in Europe. It is supported by numerous regional partners and sets standards for the future energy industry.

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"DAC-2-E-Methane represents a pivotal advancement in our pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. By capturing CO2 from the air and converting it into methane, we are unlocking a new pathway for energy storage and transportation that leverages the existing natural gas infrastructure. The project exemplifies the innovation and collaboration needed to position NRW as a leader in the climate-friendly energy sector, setting a benchmark for future initiatives across Europe and beyond"

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Dr. Timm Kehler, CEO of Zukunft Gas & Patron of DAC-2-E-Methane

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Support and Funding

Our project is funded by the EU and the state of NRW as part of the "Energie.IN.NRW" innovation competition. We are also supported and accompanied by various regional partners and companies during the project phase. We would like to express our gratitude to all those involved.

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