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Sunlight
fueled
chemistry

As a society, we are currently facing two major challenges: the safeguarding of our future energy supply by the transfer from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources, and, the reduction of emission of the greenhouse gas CO2.

Only this way we can reach the objectives of the Paris climate agreement; limiting global warming to a maximum of 1.5 ° C in the 21st century and net zero CO2 emissions in 2050.

The Interreg project LUMEN addresses both challenges

Read more about Project LUMEN

The technique behind the chemistry

We aim to create an integrated, laboratory-scale demonstrator (‘laboratory-scale mini-plant’) that can demonstrate that sunlight-driven conversion of CO2 with hydrogen into methane and/or syngas is feasible from both a technical and economic perspective.

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The power of the sun

This development will contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Using the developed “mini-factory” we aim at demonstrating the technical and commercial feasibility of the process, which is essential for further upscaling and future commercialization.

Furthermore, we aim to demonstrate that the developed concept can also be used to produce fine chemicals, such as intermediates for medicines, in a safe and straightforward way. The research within LUMEN provides the basis for the future translation into an industrial process and offers commercial opportunities for material and equipment producers and chemical companies in the region.

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News

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Events

17/05/2021 in Events, News

Event: Nanotechnology crossing borders

On Thursday October 14th, 2021 we will organize the 4th edition of Nanotechnology Crossing Borders. It will take place at the Brightlands Chemelot…
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FAQ

Learn more about Project LUMEN. Here you can find the frequently asked questions combined with the answers.

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Q1: Converting CO2 into a fuel: a utopian situation?

In previous work, TNO and UHasselt have proven that it is technically feasible to convert CO2 into methane on a laboratory scale. Within the framework of the LUMEN project, we aim at establishing a labscale mini factory of this process and demonstrate that the process is also economically feasible

For more information please contact us.

Q2: What are the key challenges in the development of this technology?

Key challenges in the development of this technology are the design of a suited reactor and process for sunlight fueled conversion of CO2 into methane or syngas. Furthermore the established catalysts need to be further improved to optimize their product selectivity and activity.

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Q3: Who would be interested in this concept?

Primarily companies who have to aim to reduce their CO2 emission, e.g. chemical industry or steel manufacturers. Furthermore companies that produce catalysts for chemical processes and manufacturers of reactors will have an interest in this technology.

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Q4: Where could the CO2 that would be used as raw material come from?

From industrial point sources or from direct air capture

For more information please contact us.