CCU is based on the principle of capturing carbon dioxide and reusing it in various forms, such as e-fuels. These are created by combining captured CO₂ with renewable hydrogen produced from renewable electricity. Such e-fuels serve as drop-in replacements for conventional fossil fuels, suitable for industrial installations, aviation, and maritime transport.
The ECO2Fuel project, funded by the European Union, is pioneering this approach by developing a 1 MW low-temperature electrolyser capable of converting captured CO₂ directly into sustainable liquid fuels using renewable electricity and water. By demonstrating this technology at industrial scale, the project aims to make e-fuels a viable and accessible solution for decarbonizing Europe’s most polluting sectors.
In a recent conversation with ECO2Fuel, Tudy Bernier, Policy Director at CO₂ Value Europe, underlined the strategic role CCU can play in the European Green Deal, “CCU will not be the only solution we need, but it will absolutely be one of them, especially for hard-to-abate sectors like aviation, shipping, and heavy industry,” he said.
“These are areas where electrification is either technically complex or economically unviable in the short term, and where drop-in CCU fuels can offer a more realistic alternative to fossil-based options.”
As part of the European Green Deal, the European Union has committed to ambitious climate targets, including significant cuts in emissions by 2050. Reaching these goals requires innovative energy and emissions management solutions, particularly in industrial sectors where systemic change, advanced technologies, and new economic models are essential.
Recent legislative initiatives have laid the groundwork for this transition, setting CO₂ reduction targets and creating incentives for low-carbon technologies. The regulatory framework now affects the full CCU value chain, from emitters and transporters to converters and end-users of CO₂-derived products. This broad policy support helps ensure that advanced solutions such as those developed within ECO2Fuel can move from lab to market and become a cornerstone of Europe’s industrial decarbonisation strategy.
National-level action and consumer awareness
While EU legislation sets overarching targets, national governments play a crucial role in implementation. Countries must develop action plans, support research, and establish incentives for CCU projects and sustainable alternatives. Public procurement rules at the national level can also encourage the uptake of sustainable building materials produced via mineralisation, making the sustainable choice the easier option for companies and consumers.
CCU technologies are fundamental for Europe’s transition to a low-carbon economy, particularly in sectors where alternatives are limited. The coming years will be decisive in advancing industrial adoption and consumer acceptance of these technologies. CCU has the potential to become a key pillar of Europe’s sustainable future, supporting climate goals, economic innovation, and energy independence.
