In a groundbreaking development, Axens, in collaboration with IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) and SMS group, has successfully homologated the CarboverseoTM technology. This innovative reverse water-gas shift process, which converts CO2 into CO, is now live and ready to revolutionize the e-fuel industry by providing a robust and scalable solution for transforming CO2 into valuable products.
The CarboverseoTM technology was developed in a fast-track mode, leveraging the extensive expertise of each partner. Axens contributed with its process features and integration capabilities, drawing from its rich history in oil and gas. IFPEN was responsible for reactor conception and modelling, industrially proven catalyst selection, kinetic modelling based on pilot testing in their R&D facilities based on previous experience on application. SMS group brought its expertise in high-temperature processes and material selection, derived from their historical involvement in the blast furnace industry. This collaboration has resulted in a robust process that has been thoroughly validated, ensuring that each development step meets the highest standards followed by Axens and IFPEN in the oil and gas sector. Additionally, SMS group constructed a 0.5 MW electrical heater demonstration unit, successfully controlling and scaling the heating of gases above 1000°C.
CarboverseoTM is a critical component of Axens’ comprehensive e-fuel scheme, which includes carbon capture (DMXTM), an amine technology that efficiently captures CO2 from flue gases, a CO2 conditioning section to remove impurities, and the reverse water-gas shift process itself to convert CO2 into syngas. This is followed by syngas conditioning to optimize it for further processing, and finally, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and upgrading (Gasel®) to produce and refine synthetic fuels. This integrated approach positions Axens at the forefront of the e-fuel industry, offering a seamless, integrated, and optimized solution from carbon capture to fuel production.
By homologating CarboverseoTM, Axens has significantly reduced the technology risk for investors, licensees, and project stakeholders. This assurance is crucial for accelerating the adoption of e-fuels and advancing the energy transition, especially in the aviation sector with the production of sustainable aviation fuels.
Jacinthe Frecon, Process Equipment Innovation Director at Axens, said: “The successful homologation of CarboverseoTM technology marks a pivotal moment for Axens, enabling us to offer a fully integrated e-fuel scheme. This missing brick completes our comprehensive solution, allowing us to license a robust and scalable process that transforms CO2 into sustainable synthetic fuels, particularly targeted by the aviation sector. Developed through our rigorous standards and in collaboration with IFPEN and SMS group, CarboverseoTM is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence”.
Ludivine Piezanowski, Head of Hydrogen at SMS group, said “SMS group is proud to have contributed with its know-how to the development of the CarboverseoTM technology in collaboration with Axens and IFPEN. This achievement marks a key milestone in the production of sustainable synthetic fuel for aviation and we are honored to play a role in building a more sustainable future alongside Axens and IFPEN”. Raphaël Huyghe, Director of Energy Products Business Unit at IFP Energies Nouvelles, said: ”The CarboverseoTM technology is a key technology for the decarbonization of the transport sector. Thanks to IFPEN’s expertise in catalytic process development, the technology was scale-up in a very short time by fully committed engineers and technicians which was a challenge to answer the demand of the aviation sector. IFPEN is proud to contribute, together with all the partners, to bringing the CarboverseoTM technology to market.”
