What is the UP Catalyst Project?
UP Catalyst is shaking up the carbon materials scene by transforming CO₂-rich flue gases—from both biogenic and those tough-to-abate sources—into low-cost, high-quality, and energy-efficient carbon materials. How? Through its proprietary Molten Salt Carbon Capture and Electrochemical Transformation (MSCC-ET) technology. Since 2019, the company has been developing, testing, and perfecting this innovative method to produce renewable carbon nanotubes and battery-grade graphite. The goal? To offer a local alternative to the heavily imported critical raw materials that industries rely on.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
Here’s a quick snapshot of what UP Catalyst brings to the table:
- Plans to build a large-scale industrial facility by 2030, producing 60,000 tons of carbon materials annually.
- Utilizes approximately 250,000 tons of CO₂ in the production process each year.
- Secured €18 million in loans from the European Investment Bank (EIB).
- Obtained €8 million in grants and raised €6 million in equity funding.
- Produces climate-neutral carbon materials using only CO₂ and green electricity as main inputs.
Revolutionizing Carbon Nanomaterials
UP Catalyst is doing things differently. Traditional carbon materials? They’re expensive and come with a hefty environmental price tag—either mined from fossil resources or synthesized through toxic processes involving raw oil. UP Catalyst’s game-changing production methods are based on CO₂ electrolysis and biomass pyrolysis. This means recycling waste materials like wood chips, black liquor, sludge, and CO₂ itself. The result? Sustainable carbon nanomaterials and catalysts that are not only superior in quality and product properties but also highly competitive in pricing.
Wide-Ranging Applications
The carbon materials produced by UP Catalyst aren’t just lab curiosities—they’re making waves across multiple industries. From batteries and fuel cells to water filters and beyond, these materials offer enhanced performance and sustainability. Their versatility means they can be integrated into a variety of products, helping to push forward cleaner, greener technologies everywhere.
Environmental Commitment
At its core, UP Catalyst is about producing high-quality carbon materials without harming the planet. By directly using CO₂ emissions and green electricity, the company ensures its processes are climate neutral. This approach drastically reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional carbon material production—from a staggering 2000 kg of CO₂ emissions per kg of material down to just 5 kg. It’s a bold step toward sustainable manufacturing that could reshape the industry.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
Looking Ahead
With its sights set on 2030, UP Catalyst is gearing up to scale its operations and make a significant dent in the carbon materials market. By turning CO₂ emissions into valuable resources, the project not only tackles climate change head-on but also reduces dependency on imported raw materials. It’s a win-win scenario—innovative, sustainable, and ready to power the future.
