EffiTorch develops innovative technology for efficient long-term energy storage by valorising CO2 and low-value bio-waste through microwave plasma torches and reverse Boudouard reactions. The project aims to achieve groundbreaking advancements in renewable energy storage, supporting the EU’s transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy by combining cutting-edge plasma technology with sustainable waste management solutions.

The EffiTorch project is funded by the European Commission through the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the call “HORIZON-CL5-2024-D3-01.” Over 48 months, the project aims to develop a revolutionary Power-to-X solution using ultra-high-temperature microwave plasma torches for direct CO2 splitting. This innovative approach simultaneously valorises bio-waste, achieving syngas production with unparalleled carbon and energy efficiencies.

Project objectives

The EffiTorch project: “Valorisation of CO₂ and bio-waste for long-term energy storage using a microwave plasma torch and quenching using the reverse Boudouard reaction” sets out several objectives to harness innovative plasma technologies and bio-waste valorisation processes to revolutionize energy storage and CO₂ utilisation. By integrating advanced microwave plasma torches, high-temperature reactors, and quenching systems using the reverse Boudouard reaction, EffiTorch aims to explore new possibilities in renewable energy applications. One key goal is the development of a breakthrough Power-to-X solution for CO₂ splitting and syngas production. This approach seeks to achieve carbon efficiencies exceeding 90% and energy efficiencies over 60%, providing a sustainable and economically viable alternative to current hydrogen-based energy storage systems. These advances will offer valuable insights into resource efficiency and long-term energy storage, enabling industries to make informed decisions about adopting innovative, low-carbon technologies. EffiTorch also aims to provide scalable solutions for integrating bio-waste processing into energy systems. By leveraging hydrothermal liquefaction-derived bio-oil and ultrasonic atomisation, the project will enhance the conversion of low-value waste into high-value energy products. These integrated systems will not only reduce environmental impacts but also contribute to the circular economy by transforming waste into a resource. To support validation efforts, EffiTorch plans to deploy and test advanced plasma systems in experimental setups that combine microwave and induction heating. These systems will be equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring and diagnostics tools, enabling precise control of process parameters and improving the reliability and scalability of the developed technologies. This validation will ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the solutions, contributing to their readiness for industrial adoption.

Furthermore, the project emphasizes the importance of advanced gas separation techniques, leveraging the highly endothermic reverse Boudouard reaction to optimize the separation of CO₂-derived gases. This approach addresses a critical challenge in CO₂ valorisation, ensuring cleaner and more efficient processes for energy production. EffiTorch contributes to the Sustainable Development Goal 7 (“Affordable and Clean Energy”), Goal 12 (“Responsible Consumption and Production”), and Goal 13 (“Climate Action”). The project aligns with the European Union’s Green Deal objectives by promoting innovative, low-carbon technologies and fostering sustainable resource management practices. To maximize its impact, EffiTorch highlights effective communication and dissemination activities, ensuring that its findings reach relevant stakeholders, industries, and policymakers. By raising awareness and engaging with the energy and environmental sectors, the project aims to accelerate the adoption of its technologies, ensuring measurable outcomes in the transition to a sustainable energy future. EffiTorch has set ambitious goals to redefine energy storage and resource utilization:

• DEVELOP an innovative microwave plasma process to convert CO₂ and bio-waste into syngas using electrodeless torches and rapid quenching through RBR, boosting carbon and energy efficiency.
• INTEGRATE the continuous processing of bio-waste (particularly sewage sludge) with CO₂to generate syngas, enabling the production of synthetic fuels and chemicals, and advancing a circular economy.
• DESIGN a high-temperature reactor with plasma confinement and ultrasonic atomization of bio-oil to improve the conversion of bio-waste into syngas, using advanced reactor technology.
• IMPROVE the process to exceed 90% carbon efficiency and 60% energy efficiency, providing a viable alternative to electrolysis-based hydrogen production, and reducing reliance on expensive electrolysers.
• DEMONSTRATE the feasibility and industrial scalability of the EffiTorch technology, addressing key challenges in renewable energy storage and waste valorisation, while contributing to climate goals.
• BOOST the dissemination of EffiTorch’s innovations through targeted communication, engaging key stakeholders, including policymakers and industry leaders, to facilitate the adoption of EffiTorch solutions.

Consortium

The EffiTorch project unites a consortium of prominent academic and industrial partners from across Europe. The project is coordinated by Fundacion Tekniker in Spain and comprises the University of Stuttgart in Germany, the University of Antwerp in Belgium, Aarhus University in Denmark, Smart Induction Converter Technologies SL in Spain, Empresarios Agrupados International SA in Spain, Casale SA in Switzerland, Technical University Hamburg in Germany, and MINDS & SPARKS GmbH in Austria.

Links

https://effitorch.eu/

https://x.com/effitorch_EU

https://www.linkedin.com/company/effitorch-project

Keywords

Energy storage, CO₂ valorisation, bio-waste, plasma technology, thermal plasma, syngas production, microwave plasma torch, reverse Boudouard reaction