CeNTI -

Energy Storage & Generation

COSEC

Biogenic CO2 capture into Sustainable Energy Carriers

The COSEC project proposes a novel approach to photosynthetic and hydrogenotrophic CO2 fixation, combined with waste nutrient upcycling, for production of carbon negative energy carriers. The aim is to establish a sustainable solution for capturing biogenic CO₂ from bioenergy system emissions and converting it into renewable energy carriers, thereby promoting carbon circularity.

The project will develop resilient algal strains for CO₂ capture, while simultaneously using waste nutrients, and will develop innovative methods to enhance the biomass energy content, for its subsequent conversion into biocrude and biogas. Renewable hydrogen will be used in these upgrading processes, specifically in the catalytic hydrotreatment of biocrude for biofuel and in advanced gas-to-cell bioreactors for biomethane production. These hydrogen-assisted technologies are designed to maximise process efficiency and sustainability.

By leveraging renewable hydrogen and integrating advanced technologies, the COSEC project aims to establish a carbon-negative bioenergy system, delivering sustainable liquid and gaseous energy carriers and helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Website: COSEC

Main Goals/Activities

Develop a novel Photosynthetic Platform for Capture of biogenic CO₂ in energy-rich algae biomass using waste-stream nutrients, focusing on resilient algae strains that tolerate flue gas toxicity and efficiently assimilate nutrients;

Optimise Biomass Conversion and Process Sustainability, by enhancing biomass production and pretreatment methods to improve energy content and nitrogen removal, enabling efficient production of biocrude and biogas. In parallel, improve bioconversion processes, valorise byproducts (e.g., hydrochar and digestates), and recycle nutrients and off-gases for greater sustainability;

Upgrade Energy Carriers using Renewable Hydrogen , through development of efficient methods to convert biocrude into biofuel and biogas into biomethane, emphasising renewable hydrogen technologies, such as catalytic hydrotreatment and hydrogen-assisted gas-to-cell bioreactors, to maximise efficiency and sustainability.

With support of: