Axens, IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN; both Rueil-Malmaison, France) and SMS group, have successfully homologated the Carboverseo™ technology. This innovative reverse water-gas shift process, which converts CO2 into CO, is now live and ready to revolutionize the e-fuel industry by providing a robust and scalable solution for transforming CO2 into valuable products.
The Carboverseo™ technology was developed in a fast-track mode, leveraging the extensive expertise of each partner. Axens contributed with its process features and integration capabilities, drawing from its rich history in oil and gas. IFPEN was responsible for reactor conception and modelling, industrially proven catalyst selection, kinetic modelling based on pilot testing in their R&D facilities based on previous experience on application. SMS group brought its expertise in high-temperature processes and material selection, derived from their historical involvement in the blast furnace industry. This collaboration has resulted in a robust process that has been thoroughly validated, ensuring that each development step meets the highest standards followed by Axens and IFPEN in the oil and gas sector. Additionally, SMS group constructed a 0.5 MW electrical heater demonstration unit, successfully controlling and scaling the heating of gases above 1000°C.
Carboverseo™ is a critical component of Axens’ comprehensive e-fuel scheme, which includes carbon capture (DMX™), an amine technology that efficiently captures CO2 from flue gases, a CO2 conditioning section to remove impurities, and the reverse water-gas shift process itself to convert CO2 into syngas. This is followed by syngas conditioning to optimize it for further processing, and finally, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and upgrading (Gasel®) to produce and refine synthetic fuels. This integrated approach positions Axens at the forefront of the e-fuel industry, offering a seamless, integrated, and optimized solution from carbon capture to fuel production.
By homologating Carboverseo™, Axens has significantly reduced the technology risk for investors, licensees, and project stakeholders. This assurance is crucial for accelerating the adoption of e-fuels and advancing the energy transition, especially in the aviation sector with the production of sustainable aviation fuels.