SOLDAC

SolDAC adopts a game-changing approach to transform the ethylene and by-product ethanol (C2 products) industries into zero-carbon sectors by a synergy of solar energy and air mining. The project pretends to prove a climate-neutral and market-competitive process to resolve difficult-to-decarbonise sectors, having all the characteristics for partaking in the future chemical industry.

In addition, it features a photoelectrochemical conversion (PEC) unit, electrochemistry being the only possible route for directly converting carbon dioxide into ethylene.

SolDAC process exploits the full spectrum of solar radiation by powering the downstream direct air capture and conversion processes with energy from a spectral-splitting hybrid photovoltaic-thermal solar collector.

Finally, the project will perform all the necessary groundwork for fully deploying the process before 2050 through activities that build up a new ecosystem of stakeholders, contributing to make Europe the first circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy.

• To guide SolDAC implementation out of main environmental impacts by applying Eco-design premises, fostering recyclability and materials safety, and efficient use from a “cradle-to-cradle” perspective.
• To assess the environmental impacts of the novel integrated system, including the production, usage and end-of-life cycle stages.
• To identify the key issues affecting the acceptance and awareness of the project technology and its final products, guiding communication strategies and embedding Responsible Research and Innovation principles.
• To lead capacity building and best practices exchange tasks and support the dissemination and exploitation activities.

Funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101069359. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. The European Union cannot be held responsible for them.