About

Project Background
The EffiTorch project was initiated to address the critical need for efficient, long-term energy storage solutions essential for achieving a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy. Traditional Power-to-X methods have primarily relied on hydrogen produced through electrolysis, a process significantly limited by the high costs of electrolysers, thereby reducing its industrial viability. Recognizing these challenges, EffiTorch proposes a pioneering approach that leverages ultra-high temperature thermal plasma technology to directly split CO2 while simultaneously valorising low-value bio-waste to generate syngas. EffiTorch aims to achieve carbon efficiencies greater than 90% and energy efficiencies exceeding 60%, surpassing the capabilities of current technologies. The project focuses on demonstrating this innovative method at a pilot scale, targeting continuous operation for over 10 hours. By developing robust process balancing techniques, EffiTorch ensures comprehensive analysis of carbon utilization and energy flow, which is crucial for scalability and industrial applicability. This project not only addresses the urgent demand for advanced energy storage solutions but also contributes significantly to the circular economy. By reclaiming value from waste and reducing environmental impact, EffiTorch supports sustainable practices and promotes a cleaner, more efficient energy future.

Project Objectives

DEVELOP
an innovative microwave plasma process to convert CO2 and bio-waste into syngas using electrodeless torches and rapid quenching through RBR, boosting carbon and energy efficiency.
INTEGRATE
the continuous processing of bio-waste (particularly sewage sludge) with CO2 to generate syngas, enabling the production of synthetic fuels and chemicals, and advancing a circular economy.
DESIGN

a high-temperature reactor with plasma confinement and ultrasonic atomization of bio-oil to improve the conversion of bio-waste into syngas, using advanced reactor technology.

IMPROVE

the process to exceed 90% carbon efficiency and 60% energy efficiency, providing a viable alternative to electrolysis-based hydrogen production, reducing reliance on expensive electrolysers.

DEMONSTRATE

the feasibility and industrial scalability of the EffiTorch technology, addressing key challenges in renewable energy storage and waste valorization, while contributing to climate goals.

BOOST

the dissemination of EffiTorch's innovations through targeted communication, engaging key stakeholders, including policymakers and industry leaders, to facilitate the adoption of EffiTorch solutions.

Project Methodology
EffiTorch employs a novel approach that integrates ultra-high temperature thermal plasma technology to directly split CO2, coupled with the valorisation of low-value bio-waste to generate syngas. The process includes the use of advanced techniques such as ultrasonic atomization of bio-oil obtained from Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) of sewage sludge, high-temperature reactors with plasma confinement, and secondary heating of the plasma using high-frequency induction. The project aims to demonstrate continuous operation for over 10 hours, achieving carbon efficiencies above 90% and energy efficiencies exceeding 60%. This methodology is supported by robust process balancing techniques to thoroughly analyse carbon utilization and energy flow, ensuring scalability and industrial applicability.
Project Facts

Duration

10/2024 to 9/2028

Programme

Horizon Europe

HORIZON-CL5-2024-D3-01-10

HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions

Grant ID

101172766

Coordinator

Fundacion Tekniker

Project Impacts

IMPACT 1
Efficient CO2 splitting

EffiTorch develops a breakthrough technology for the direct splitting of CO2 using an ultra-high temperature thermal plasma, achieving carbon efficiencies higher than 90% and energy efficiencies higher than 60%, outperforming current solutions.

IMPACT 2

Valorisation of Bio-Waste

The project focuses on the valorisation of low-value bio-waste, converting it into syngas using advanced plasma technology. This process integrates the use of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) from sewage sludge and other bio-waste materials.

IMPACT 3

Innovative combination of technologies

The combination of CO2 splitting by thermal plasmas and quenching using the reverse Boudouard reaction (RBR) represents a novel approach, improving the separation of gases and overall process efficiency.
IMPACT 4

Improved experimental setups

EffiTorch plans to utilize advanced experimental setups, including ultrasonic atomization of bio-oil and secondary heating of plasma by induction with HF frequency, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.

IMPACT 5

Contribution to renewable energy transition

By developing efficient long-term energy storage methods, EffiTorch contributes significantly to the transition towards a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy within the EU, supporting the broader goals of sustainability and renewable energy adoption.

Public Deliverables

# WP Title Lead Nature Dissemination Due Date pdf
D2.1
WP2
Bio-oil modification for atomisation
AU
R
PU
30.06.2026
download (soon)
D6.7
WP6
Open access to research data
TEK
R
PU
30.09.2028
download (soon)

Project Structure

WP1 – Co-creation, IPR & pathway to impact
The main objective of this WP is to maximize EffiTorch's impact through user-based design and effective communication strategies. This includes preparing for commercialization, raising awareness, fostering collaboration, and ensuring sustainability with a scalable exploitation strategy. Researchers, developers, end-user companies, and advisory board stakeholders will be involved.

WP2 - Hydro Thermal Liquefaction and Bio-oil atomization
The overall aim of WP2 is to optimize hydrothermal liquefaction bio-oil production for atomization. This will be achieved by improving the physical and chemical properties of bio-oil, optimizing ultrasonic atomizer performance, and refining the bio-oil production process for upscaling.

WP3 - Design and manufacturing of innovative experimental set-up
The main objective of WP3 is to develop an ultrasonic atomization device for continuous atomization of HTL bio-oil at up to 200ºC and 37 cSt viscosity. Ultrasonic atomizers will be integrated with the MW torch systems, developing and testing high-temperature reactors with plasma confinement, and developing an atmospheric plasma heating stage using HF excitation.

WP4 - Valorisation of CO2 and bio-oil with Microwave Plasma Torch
The main objective of this WP is to develop processes for the continuous valorisation of CO2 and bio-oil from HTL of biowaste using microwave plasma torches and ultrasonic atomizers. This includes implementing safety devices, exhaust gas treatment, and testing different plasma reactors and conditions to achieve optimal performance for more than 10 hours.

WP5 – Process Evaluation
WP4 aims to evaluate the efficiency of the process, including material flow, energy flow, and carbon-use efficiency, for each step and the overall process, relative to the main target product synthesis gas and possible downstream products. These results serve as the foundation for a subsequent economic and environmental assessment, which analyses the overall process, including synthesis gas or downstream product provision costs for potential markets and the resulting GHG emissions.

WP6 – Project Management
WP6 aims at: ensuring the fulfilment of the objectives defined in the project and the legal and financial obligations with the European Commission. Ensure the compliance with the ethical requirements already identified in section 4 of the Part A; coordinating the activities of the different WPs and monitor the correct implementation of the Open Science practices. Monitor the milestones identified in the project lifecycle; setting up appropriate internal channels to guarantee fluent communication flow between the members of the consortium and with the European Commission and Innovation and Risk Management. Ensure that the research follows the EU Taxonomy Regulation