Utilization of CO2 through novel BioElectroCathode systems for production of biofuels (CH4 and ethanol) - BioElectroCathode

Project summary

BioElectroCathode project aims to bring innovation on biological electrosynthesis biocatalysts through: a) the manufacture of novel cathodes, b) the manufacture of a 3D biological electrosynthesis baffle reactor that can transform CO2 to CH4 and/or CO2 to ethanol. The project starts from a TRL between 2-3 and by the end of the project aims to reach TRL 5. BioElectroCathode project will help in solving three main challenges of the contemporary energy systems: power storage, grid stability and CO2 emissions. Electricity can be supplied for the power of the cathode in the Microbial Electrosynthesis Baffle Reactor and it can convert CO2 into CH4 and/or CO2 into ethanol. The methane-rich biogas (biomethane) or ethanol can be stored, distributed and utilized as a fuel in vehicles compatible to natural gas. The proposed technology can be used in biogas plants (in Europe there are more than 12,400 biogas plants) or in industries that generate high amounts of CO2.