CircECON
Research center for a carbon-neutral circular economy
The CircEcon research campus is a pioneering initiative in the development of a greenhouse gas-neutral circular economy within the Schwarze Pumpe industrial park. In this interdisciplinary research facility, researchers from the Technical Universities of Chemnitz, Dresden and Freiberg and the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences are combining their expertise in the fields of recycling and closed-loop recycling to create a demonstration factory that is unique in Europe. The aim is to create new economic prospects for Lusatia. The joint pilot lines, test facilities, and demonstration systems facilitate the first-time linking of Saxon research expertise, enabling the development of innovative approaches to efficient recycling management in collaboration with companies.
Three promising technologies are being implemented in pilot plants at the Chair of Chemical Process Engineering as part of the CircEcon project:
- Methanol synthesis: The production of methanol from CO₂ and hydrogen creates a versatile raw material for the chemical industry that can be used in numerous products.
- Solvent-based solvolysis: This process opens up new possibilities for the recycling of complex organic materials and contributes to the development of a sustainable circular economy.
- Solvolysis with sub- or supercritical water: This innovative technology is designed to facilitate the recycling of carbon fiber-reinforced composites, which are utilized in a diverse array of lightweight construction applications. The process allows for the recovery of valuable carbon fibers and is considered particularly environmentally friendly, as only water is used as a solvent.
Figure: CircEcon concept of a carbon-neutral circular economy
Contact Persons:
Carolin Deuter M.Sc. (Solvolysis process design)
Dr. Andreas Hiller (administration und organization)
Project Partner: TU Dresden in cooperation mit TU Chemnitz, TU Bergakademie Freiberg and Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
Project Duration: 09/2022 – 12/2027
Funding: Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism, Saxon State Ministry for Regional Development