Sasol: Sasol and the University of Twente join forces to develop technologies for the removal of atmospheric carbon dioxide

The Netherlands-based Centre for Energy Innovation of the University of Twente in Enschede, and South Africa’s Sasol Research and Technology (R&T) have expressed the intent to join forces in the development of technologies for the removal of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Sasol R&T also has a regional office in Enschede.

Carbon dioxide is considered the main driver for climate change. To realise the ambitions of the Paris Agreement on temperature rise, there is great urgency to make steps in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions as well as in reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide

The University of Twente is developing a mission-driven programme that focusses on Negative Emission Technologies: recovering carbon dioxide that is present in the atmosphere as a result of emissions in the past. The science and technology under development needs rapid translation towards real-life application.

“We develop energy efficient technology for the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Part of it will be converted into products with a very long lifetime to secure CO2 sequestration. Another part will be used to convert CO2 into circular chemicals, fuels and polymers. We believe the atmosphere is the carbon source of the post fossil era,” said Jos Keurentjes, Director at UT Center for Energy Innovation. Sasol will become an active partner of the programme, providing guidance to projects in the programme by performing technology and engineering desk studies and pilot testing.

“Sasol is committed to its ambitious greenhouse gas reduction road map to strongly reduce its environmental footprint towards the future. The cooperation with the Centre of Energy Innovation will help us in realising our goals and strengthen the development of technology for sustainable chemicals production,” explains Thembakazi Mali, Senior Vice President: Sasol R&T.

The application domain is both in reducing industrial emissions, sustainable CO­­2 utilisation and storage as well as in Negative Emission Technologies by Direct Air Capture. This collaboration should allow faster innovation than using a sequential approach, thereby providing a strong basis for bringing climate ambitions within reach.