The transition towards climate neutrality requires new solutions capable of addressing emissions from industrial sectors where decarbonisation remains particularly challenging. Carbon capture technologies can play an important role in this transition, but their widespread deployment depends on overcoming key challenges related to energy consumption, efficiency, cost and scalability.
Within the DRIVE project – Deep Removal of CO₂ & Innovative Electrification Concepts, researchers and technology partners are exploring innovative approaches that could contribute to the development of more efficient and electrified CO₂ capture processes.
One of these approaches is ZEUS, an innovative electrochemical CO₂ capture concept designed to investigate an alternative pathway for the regeneration of CO₂ capture solutions.
Addressing the energy challenge of conventional CO₂ capture
Many conventional post-combustion carbon capture systems rely on the absorption of CO₂ into a liquid solvent. Once the CO₂ has been captured, the solvent must be regenerated so that it can be reused in the process.
This regeneration step is commonly driven by heat and can require significant amounts of energy. As a result, reducing the energy demand associated with solvent regeneration remains an important challenge for the development of more efficient and economically viable carbon capture systems.
ZEUS explores a different approach.
Instead of relying primarily on thermal energy, the concept investigates the use of electrochemically driven processes to support the regeneration of the capture solution and the recovery of CO₂.
How does the ZEUS concept work?
The ZEUS concept combines CO₂ absorption with an electrochemical regeneration process.
After CO₂ is absorbed into the capture solution, the resulting solution is directed towards an electrochemical system where technologies such as electrodialysis and bipolar membranes are used to support the regeneration process.
Through this approach, the system aims to:
- regenerate the CO₂ capture solution so that it can be reused;
- reduce reliance on conventional heat-intensive regeneration processes;
- enable the separation and recovery of a concentrated CO₂ stream; and
- explore opportunities for improving the overall efficiency and scalability of carbon capture.
The regenerated capture solution can then be recirculated back into the process, supporting the development of a more integrated and potentially energy-efficient capture cycle.
Electrification as a pathway towards industrial decarbonisation
The development of innovative electrification concepts is becoming increasingly important as industries seek to reduce their dependence on fossil-based energy sources and integrate growing shares of renewable electricity.
By investigating electrochemical alternatives to conventional thermal processes, the DRIVE project is contributing to a broader effort to rethink how CO₂ capture technologies can be designed and operated.
Concepts such as ZEUS can help researchers better understand the technical potential, challenges and future development needs of electrically driven carbon capture systems.
The objective is not only to capture CO₂, but also to explore how capture technologies can become more efficient, more flexible and better suited to the future low-carbon energy system.
Advancing innovative CO₂ capture through DRIVE
The DRIVE project brings together expertise in carbon capture, process engineering, electrification and advanced technology development to investigate new concepts for the deep removal of CO₂ from industrial gas streams.
Through the development and assessment of innovative solutions, the project seeks to contribute to the technological progress needed for the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries.
ZEUS represents one of the innovative concepts explored within this broader research effort, demonstrating how electrochemical processes may provide new pathways for improving the efficiency of CO₂ capture and regeneration.
🎥 Watch the new video to discover the ZEUS concept and learn more about how this innovative electrochemical approach works.
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