VoltaChem making next steps towards piloting in regional ecosystems
14-02-2018
The year 2017 was a very exciting and successful year for VoltaChem, with many new ideas, results and partnerships developed. We increased our understanding of the opportunities and timelines for industrial electrification, brought multiple Power-2-Heat, Power-2-Hydrogen and Power-2-Chemicals technologies to the next phase and developed unique know-how and infrastructure related to Power-2-X. Now, VoltaChem is up for the next phase: the development of regional piloting and demonstration activities focused on accelerating implementation.
Power-2-Integrate: Increased understanding of electrification
Using our new generalized business case calculation tools, multiple regional value chains and chemical example cases have been assessed in 2017. Also, the Dutch national and regional electrification potentials for 2030 and 2050 were investigated together with Wuppertal Institute and national and regional stakeholders. Furthermore, an innovation mission was organized to North Rhein Westfalia, where the business and scientific opportunities of Power-2-X were discussed with Flemish and German experts and where demonstration sites were visited. The learnings of these activities were discussed with community members and at the public VoltaChem open event in Rotterdam, leading to a better understanding of the potential, needs, and timelines for industrial electrification.
Power-2-Heat and Power-2-Hydrogen: Going for larger scales
In the Power-2-Heat program line, multiple short-term developments were carried out in 2017. An innovative 2-stage heat pump system with a capacity of 200kW was installed, equipped with measuring and control technology and safety systems and connected to a new test installation, which is now ready for starting performance tests. A second project was started together with a consortium of industrial end users and technology suppliers, in which the further scaling up to 2MW and cost reduction of the heat pump technology will be carried out. And last but not least, the project “Hybrid Energy Systems” has been initiated with partners, focusing on real-time switching between gas and electricity powered industrial heat generation.
In the Power-2-Hydrogen program line, the work on electrolyzer development that was started in earlier years was continued. The impact of intermittent supply of sustainable electricity on the lifetime of the electrolyzer was investigated and Accelerated Stress Testing (AST) protocols were developed, presented and discussed with producers and researchers within a European framework on harmonization of test protocols [GM(d5] for electrolyzers. Furthermore, a project was started, together with equipment suppliers, in which a 50kW PEM electrolyzer system will be tested extensively with the goal of achieving further cost reductions and scaling to 1MW.
Power-2-Chemicals: Moving beyond proof-of-concept
Following the successful results of the highly selective electro-oxidation of FDCA early 2017, several new electrochemical conversions were investigated in the Power-2-Chemicals line related to high-value products. The most important ones investigated were the production of Lactic Acid, Maleic Acid, Valeric Acid and Glycolic Acid from a bio-based feedstock. A proof-of-principle for electrosynthesis of these compounds was developed in 2017, which will be brought further in 2018. Also, a three-compartment reactor for hydrogen peroxide production was developed, leading to high concentration production at high current efficiencies, perfectly suitable for decentral production. This technology will be further developed together with our partners in the new year, to be used in other applications as well.
Electrochemical CO2 conversion: From idea to proof-of-concept
In the field of electrochemical CO2 conversion, a start was made with two 4-year projects focusing on the production of CO and ethylene together with academic and industrial partners. In parallel, the 2-year project on electro-conversion of CO2 to Formic acid already led to the design and construction of a high-pressure electrochemical test set-up, in which electrochemical technology can be further tested on an independent basis. With this, we now have two unique high- and low-pressure electrochemical CO2 conversion-testing units that will be further employed in the coming years. Based on this unique position, a next step will be made in 2018 to further accelerate scale-up beyond proof-of-concept in a large interregional collaboration around the North Sea area.
Focus for 2018: Development of pilot and demonstration activities
Next to the further development of mentioned technologies, one of the most important topics for 2018 will be the acceleration towards pilot and demonstration activities in regional clusters and the further development of partnerships in North Western Europe. We plan to develop one or more “field-labs” where power-2-x technologies can be showcased on industrially relevant scale in an open innovation setting. Furthermore, we will be starting with developing collaborations focused on demonstration activities together with our partners in relevant regions within North Western Europe.
If you are interested in collaboration within one of our program lines or in the development of regional piloting or demonstration activities, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Also, if you want to be a member of our VoltaChem community, please let us know. We are more than happy to discuss your interests and needs!
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