Subproject A: Technology development and transfer

From the lignite mining area to the future region for climate-neutral and self-sufficient industrial processes

The joint project PHOENIX - Launch Space Power-to-X plays a central role in aligning the innovation cycles of P2X technologies with the long-term goals of the energy transition, the European "Green Deal" and the phase-out of lignite. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the project focuses on two central aspects: accelerated technology development and the sustainable design of P2X value chains. Advanced electrolyzers are efficiently advanced through the use of agile development approaches and targeted technology transfer. At the same time, fragmented approaches in P2X development are bundled in the "Launch Space" innovation space in order to close existing systematic gaps. At the center of technology development is electrolysis as a key technology. Particular attention is paid to the further development and validation of low-temperature electrolyzers, system integration and stack development for high-temperature electrolyzers (SOC). With these measures, the project aims to decisively advance the innovation landscape of P2X technologies and make an important contribution to a sustainable energy future.

In the first funding phase of PHOENIX, the following five P2X value chains are to be set up on the launch space:

• Demonstrator for de-fossilization of the fuel sector through biogas valorization (Future Fuels)
• Demonstrator for de-fossilization of the chemical sector for basic chemicals (Circular Base Chemicals)
• Demonstrator for decarbonization of district heat and electricity supplies
• Demonstrator for de-fossilization of the chemical sector for specialty chemicals (Circular Specialty Chemicals)
• Demonstrator for de-fossilization of the chemical sector for specialty chemicals and animal feed (Circular Specialty Chemicals & Animal Feed)

These demonstrators all target possible application areas of P2X value chains that can be of particular benefit to the Rhineland region.

The IET-1 coordinates the joint project PHOENIX.

In the area of ​​technology development and validation for low-temperature electrolysis for P2X, IET-1 is building several test benches with different cell sizes in parallel to generate statistically relevant data. The electrolysis cells containing the electrochemically active components are scaled to different sizes. IET-1 is also developing and operating two demonstrators for low-temperature electrolysis for P2X.

The IET-1 is also involved in stack development for high-temperature electrolysis. This includes electrochemical cell and stack characterization as well as CFD-based stack modeling. In addition, the IET-1 develops and operates three demonstrators based on high-temperature electrolysis.

Last but not least, the IET-1 is responsible for the digitalization of power-to-X value chains within the framework of PHOENIX.

Associated partners:

• Thyssenkrupp nucera AG & Co. KGaA
• EVONIK AG