Biogenic CO2 capture into sustainable energy carriers – A novel photosynthetic and hydrogenotrophic CO2 fixation combined with waste nutrient upcycling for production of carbon negative energy carriers (COSEC)

In Europe, the combustion of biomass and biogas generates approximately 507 Mt/year of CO₂, which far exceeds the industrial demand for CO₂. The EU aims to significantly reduce these emissions and achieve climate neutrality by 2050, requiring investments in more efficient and sustainable bioenergy technologies. The Renewable Energy Directive (2023) mandates that new biomass plants must reduce their emissions by at least 70% (80% by 2026).

A key challenge is the development of innovative solutions to efficiently utilize combustion flue gases, improving competitiveness, reducing costs, and optimizing the efficiency of bioenergy.

COSEC aims to develop sustainable techniques for capturing CO₂ from bioenergy combustion, achieving over 90% capture efficiency and a 20% increase in algae productivity. Additionally, it seeks to continuously operate an integrated system capable of capturing 10 tons of CO₂ per year with 80% efficiency over a 60-day period.

Its mission goes beyond carbon capture—transforming it into negative energy to promote carbon circularity and environmental sustainability.