Sasol and the University of Twente Collaborate to Develop Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies
The Centre for Energy Innovation at the University of Twente in Enschede and Sasol Research and Technology (R&T) in South Africa have expressed intent to work together to develop technology to remove atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Carbon dioxide is often regarded as the primary cause of climate change. To reach the goals of the Paris Agreement on temperature rise, it is very important to try to reduce both carbon dioxide emissions and the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.
The University of Twente is establishing a mission-driven programme centred on Negative Emission Technologies: recovering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as a result of past emissions. The science and technology under development requires speedy translation into real-life applications.
Jos Keurentjes, Director at UT Center for Energy Innovation, said:
"We develop energy-efficient technology for the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. For CO2 sequestration, some of it will be turned into products that will last a very long time. Another part will be used to convert CO2 into circular chemicals, fuels, and polymers. We believe the atmosphere is the carbon source of the post-fossil era."
Sasol will become an active participant in the programme, advising projects through technology and engineering desk studies and pilot testing.
Thembakazi Mali, Senior Vice President: Sasol R&T, said:
"Sasol is committed to its ambitious plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions to make a big difference for the environment in the future. The cooperation with the Centre of Energy Innovation will help us realise our goals and strengthen the development of technology for sustainable chemical production."
The application domain is both in reducing industrial emissions, sustainable CO2 utilisation and storage as well as in Negative Emission Technologies by Direct Air Capture. This collaboration should allow faster innovation than using a sequential approach, thereby providing a strong basis for bringing climate ambitions within reach.
Source: Sasol
