With traditional production methods, CO2 cannot yet be stored. As a result, CO2 emissions are high. Alta has developed an innovative chemical technology that can convert CO2 and epoxides, a petrochemical by-product, into a key raw material for lithium-ion batteries. Epoxides are gases that need to be processed safely, so before these plants are built on a large scale, it is essential to test them on a small scale first. At the Terneuzen chemical park, Alta is building a pilot plant where it will demonstrate, test and validate the new technology.

Grant

The pilot is made possible by a grant of over EUR 1.8 million from European grant fund Just Transition Fund (JTF) launched earlier this year. Alta's project is in line with plans to help Zeeland switch to a circular chemistry. In doing so, the Zeeuws-Vlaanderen/Vlissingen-Oost region can count on €58.5 million of European support to deal with the economic and social consequences of the transition from fossil to green industry. 'CO2 reuse in a cyclic carbonate' is the first project in this region to receive funding from the European grant fund.

Carbon streams

The economy of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen/Vlissingen-Oost runs largely on carbon streams of fossil origin. Looking to the future, however, industrial players are developing new and innovative technologies. The storage of CO2 and its conversion into valuable chemicals, or Carbon Capture and Utilisation, is a promising method for climate transition, as it reduces emissions and makes carbon as a raw material part of the solution.

Greening industry

Frank Vergunst, founder of Alta: "Our mission is to substantially green the chemical industry. Therefore, in recent years Alta has invested heavily in research into chemical processes that can be part of a circular economy. Using CO2 and waste biomass as renewable resources for valuable products and materials is highly desirable to make various production chains greener."

Click here for Alta's full press release.