Flue Gas to Methanol - Electrocatalytic Technology for Integrating CO2 into the Circular Economy
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | CarbGen AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 732 335 |
| Project duration | October 2024 - April 2025 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Net Zero industry - Program-specific efforts |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Increased resource efficiency and resilience, stage 1 |
Important results from the project
The project successfully validated CarbGen’s novel electrochemical technology for converting industrial flue gas CO₂ into e-methanol at lab scale. Tests achieved >95% purity after distillation and demonstrated functionality at low CO₂ levels (1 V% to 33 V%). Copper Lavender confirmed product usability, and CIT delivered market and policy insights. Strong new partnerships with RISE, Perstorp, and Essity were also formed, preparing the ground for pilot-scale deployment.
Expected long term effects
The project lays the groundwork for large-scale implementation of CarbGen’s CO₂-to-e-methanol technology with 75% faradaic efficiency maintaining the product (e-MeOH) selectivity, enabling industrial decarbonization and circular use of emissions. It supports Sweden’s net-zero goals, opens new value chains in green chemicals, and positions Sweden as a leader in sustainable innovation, with potential for export, job creation, and broader climate impact across heavy-emitting sectors.
Approach and implementation
The project followed a structured plan focused on validating CarbGen’s CO₂-to-e-methanol technology using real flue gas. Activities included gas sampling (from Rottneros), electrochemical testing (CarbGen), product validation (CL), and techno-economic analysis (CIT). Despite some delays in gas collection, all core milestones were met. The collaboration between partners worked effectively, with clear roles and active contributions, laying a strong foundation for pilot-scale deployment in Stage 2.