The DRIVE project continues to support knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement in the field of innovative CO₂ capture technologies through visits to the Niederaußem facilities in Germany, operated by project partner RWE.
Between December 2025 and July 2026, seven external visitor groups visited the site, representing research institutions, technical organisations, public authorities and stakeholders involved in energy innovation and carbon capture.
These activities highlight the importance of connecting research and technological development with relevant stakeholders, while promoting greater awareness of CO₂ capture solutions and their potential contribution to industrial decarbonisation.
Engaging Research, Industry and Public Authorities
The seven visits brought together representatives from a diverse range of organisations:
- 5 December 2025: IERE (Electric Power Technology Platform)
- 27 January 2026: Cologne Regional Council
- 3 March 2026: VGBE – Technical Committee CCUS
- 24 March 2026: German Node of ECCSEL-ERIC
- 27 April 2026: Projektträger Jülich and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs (BMWE)
- 25 June 2026: Ruhr-University Bochum
- 1 July 2026: Ruhr-University Bochum
The participation of these organisations reflects the relevance of CO₂ capture research to different stakeholder communities, from academia and technical experts to policymakers and public institutions.
Exceeding the Stakeholder Engagement Target
The visits also represent an important achievement in the project’s dissemination activities.
With seven confirmed external visitor groups against an initial target of three, the Niederaußem site has successfully exceeded its visitor engagement KPI.
This achievement demonstrates the continued interest of external stakeholders in CO₂ capture technologies and reinforces the value of site visits as a means of fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange.
Connecting Research with Practical Applications
The Niederaußem site plays an important role in DRIVE’s research activities, particularly in advancing the understanding of deep CO₂ removal through pilot-scale testing under industrial conditions.
By facilitating engagement with external organisations, activities at the site help bridge the gap between scientific research, technological innovation and stakeholder awareness.
Through continued dissemination, collaboration and knowledge-sharing activities, DRIVE supports the wider understanding and development of innovative CO₂ capture solutions, contributing to Europe’s transition towards a more sustainable and climate-neutral energy system.
Stay tuned for further updates on DRIVE’s research progress and dissemination activities!