Formic acid as a carbon-neutral energy carrier

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The EU target to reduce global emissions by 55% by 2030 and to be climate neutral by 2050. However, renewable sources such as wind and solar energy have challenges due to their volatile nature, which makes efficient energy storage crucial.

Hydrogen is currently a promising energy carrier, but storage and transport are complex and costly. An alternative isformic acid, which provides safer and more efficient long-term storage. Formic acid is less volatile and toxic than other carriers such as methanol and ammonia, making it a viable option for storing renewable energy

Oxylumen and DENS are working together to develop this innovative solution. Oxylum converts CO2 and renewable electricity to recover formic acid, while DENS recovers hydrogen and electricity from formic acid. Both companies have made significant progress: Oxylum scales production open DENS has a commercial antic acid-based power generator in operation.

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The aim of this project is to integrate these technologies and create a closed formic acid cycle for safe and efficient energy storage. Key areas of research include optimising the production of formic acid from impure CO2, determining the optimum purity for energy recovery and developing purification methods.