CarbNETs – CO₂ capture, thermal energy management, and electrification using industrial technologies with net-zero emissions for decarbonization

Acronym: CarbNETs

Project name: CO₂ capture, thermal energy management, and electrification using industrial technologies with net-zero emissions for decarbonization

CarbNETs is Slovenia’s flagship programme for next-generation net-zero techology innovations, bridging 20 leading Slovenian research institutions and innovation companies in a strategic, cross-sectoral consortium. The programme responds interdisciplinary to environmental challenges, aiming to develop world-leading carbon transformation technologies with high breakthrough potential and significant environmental and economic impacts. The core concept is to radically accelerate the green transition through deep decarbonisation of industries that are a major source of global CO2 emissions, including chemical, construction and energy-intensive industries. The programme’s objectives will be pursued in five interlinked pillars:

i) new CO2 capture solutions,

ii) conversion of CO2 into green chemicals,

iii) advanced bio-based materials,

iv) circular heat and water management,

v) for horizontal TEA and LCA, guiding circular economy integration and to prepare technologies for market entry.

The pillars consist of 16 R&D projects (RDPs) where partners will co-develop advanced solutions in the field of sustainable technologies at a high degree of closing flow loops. The programme foresees development of at least 37 new products and services to reach TRL6, be validated in industrially relevant environments, and further advances to TRL 9. CarbNETs directly supports the S5 priority area Networks for the Transition to a Circular Economy, to maintain the competitiveness of the Slovenian economy by transforming it into circular, innovative, and environmentally sustainable economy. CarbNETs is also fully aligned with the EU’s increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks (European Green Deal, Fit for 55, Circular Economy Action Plan). The programme enables development of high-value-added solutions, accelerates knowledge transfer, strenghtens human resource development, and contributes to long-term competitiveness of Slovenia’s sustainable ecosystem at the European level.

The program is coordinated by the Laboratory for the Demonstration of H2 and CO2 Technologies at the Center for the Development, Demonstration, and Training in Carbon-Free Technologies at the Chemical Institute in Kisovec.

Within the project, TECOS leads a dedicated work package focused on the development of sustainable thermoplastic composites for the automotive, electrical and caravanning industries. Based on recycled and bio-based polymer matrices reinforced with natural fibres, the work package aims to develop functional biocomposites using secondary raw materials and renewable resources. These solutions will contribute to reducing the carbon footprint while supporting the implementation of circular economy principles, enabling more efficient, sustainable and cost-competitive manufacturing of next-generation industrial products.

Contact: dr. Vesna Žepič Bogataj

The value of the operation amounts to EUR 17,856,673.49, while the co-financing value of the entire operation amounts to EUR 7,626,435.94.

The project is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).