Evonik and Siemens Energy Pursue Climate-Friendly Production

Evonik and Siemens Energy have commissioned a pilot plant sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) that uses carbon dioxide and water to produce chemicals. The required energy is supplied from renewable sources via electricity. The pilot plant is located in Marl in the North Ruhr region and innovative artificial photosynthesis technology contributes to the success of the energy revolution. It is a significant part of the Rheticus I and II research projects, supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with a total of EUR 6.3 million.   Germany's Federal Minister of Education and Research, Anja Karliczek, said at the opening ceremony in Marl: "I am very pleased that we are launching a new test facility at the highest standards here in Marl today. With Rheticus, we are demonstrating how we can establish climate-friendly production processes in the chemical industry and at the same time produce innovative new products. And this success is not only here in Germany, but potentially worldwide. This creates promising opportunities for technology exports. We are promoting effective climate protection and continuing to maintain a strong industrial foundation in Germany. I am confident that we can succeed in both. The ministry is pleased to be making a total investment of EUR 6.3 million in the new pilot plant here in Marl for this purpose, and I wish everyone involved in the project success" he said. The artificial photosynthesis concept behind the Rheticus experimental plant was inspired by nature. Just as plants use solar energy to produce sugar from carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water in several steps, artificial photosynthesis uses renewable energy to produce valuable chemicals from CO₂ and water via electrolysis with the help of bacteria. This type of artificial photosynthesis can serve as an energy store and thus help close the carbon cycle and reduce carbon dioxide pollution in the atmosphere.   Source