The COMECOCO2 project aims to develop an efficient renewable methanol production system using technology developed entirely in Spain. By integrating CO2 captured at wastewater treatment plants, regenerated water, and renewable electricity, the project will create a renewable energy-to-methanol (P2L) conversion with applications in maritime transport and sustainable aviation fuels.

Unlike conventional methods, COMECOCO2 uses high-temperature co-electrolysis (co-SOEC) of simultaneously CO2 and water, significantly improving efficiency. The project will also develop next-generation co-electrolysis membranes and advanced catalytic reactors, incorporating innovative materials such as high-entropy oxides and nanostructured coatings using techniques like PVD and ALD. Furthermore, the system’s performance will be optimized through the integration of thermal processes.

COMECOCO2 is an interdisciplinary consortium comprising six research centers (IREC, LUREDERRA, CSIC-INMA, EURECAT, UPC, and CENER) specializing in energy materials, hydrogen, catalysis, and P2X technologies. The industrial pillar includes the companies Vivier Cleantech, ACCIONA, and AMES, along with AESA, NANO4ENERGY, and GREENG, which contribute with expertise in system design, thermal management, and thin-film coatings. In addition, an external advisory committee, composed of CEPSA, SyMNAVAL, and the Port Authority of Barcelona, ​​will provide industry insights to support its future implementation.

This project is funded through the TransMisiones 2024 program, grant number MIG-20242051. It is an action carried out in collaboration between the CDTI and AEI within the framework of the State Plan for Scientific, Technical and Innovation Research (PEICTI) which coordinates the funding of groups of research organizations, knowledge transfer entities and groups of companies that collaborate to jointly develop an R&D action aimed at addressing the challenges identified in the thematic priorities or Missions.