Rohrdorfer Begins CO2-Based Ethylene Production in Germany

CO2 to Ethylene Conversion

Rohrdorfer has initiated a process to convert CO2 from cement production into ethylene. This innovative method aims to establish a CO2 circular economy and reduce dependence on fossil raw materials. The technology utilizes a new type of CO2 electrolysis to produce formic acid and hydrocarbons like ethylene.

H2-Reallabor Burghausen Project

The "CO2 to ethylene" initiative is part of the H2-Reallabor Burghausen – ChemDelta Bavaria research project, which includes 37 partners from industry, SMEs, start-ups, and research institutions. The project, launched in April 2023, focuses on using hydrogen as a material basis in the chemical industry. Rohrdorfer's Net Zero Emission team adapted their plant for green ethylene production based on previous research.

Scaling Up Production

Initially, a test stand producing a few hundred grams of ethylene per hour was set up. The next phase involves an industrial-scale demonstrator with a conversion rate of up to six kilograms per day. By 2026, the project aims to convert one kilogram of CO2 per hour into ethylene on a container scale.

Operational Advantages

The system operates at a pressure of 30 bar, allowing the product mixture to be easily filled into pressurized gas cylinders. This facilitates transportation to partners within the H2-Reallabor Burghausen project, enabling further testing and processing of the ethylene.

Funding and Duration

The "CO2 to ethylene" project is 50% funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, with a total funding amount of 1.67 million euros. The project will run for four years, supporting the development and scaling of this innovative technology.