Energy from CO2

A research project is converting the cement industry's CO2 emissions into methane.

On April 17, 2024, the YOUNG EPCON AWARD 2024 was presented by imh GmbH as part of the EPCON energy congress in Vienna. A concept from the University of Leoben, in which fossil CO2 emissions are converted into methane, which in turn is a versatile energy source, won over the expert jury and event audience. Students Anna-Lena Krabichler-Mark and Severin Sendlhofer are the lucky winners.

From greenhouse gas to energy source

The cement industry is the world's third largest source of anthropogenic (man-made) CO2 emissions. The concept developed at the University of Leoben converts fossil CO2 emissions into methane, a versatile energy source.

This synthetic methane can be reused in the process and can also be fed into the existing natural gas grid, thus replacing fossil methane. The project by Severin Sendlhofer and Anna-Lena Krabichler-Mark provides a comprehensive process simulation including cost calculation and determination of component sizes. An LCA of the overall system was also created in order to compare ecological and economic aspects.

"It's time for cement manufacturers to get to grips with this, and those who do could take on a pioneering role," says Severin Sendlhofer.

Presentation of the award as part of the established energy congress EPCON

Amid exciting keynotes and captivating discussions, the coveted prize was awarded to young talents for the 4th time. Conference provider imh GmbH and award supporter Energie Steiermark are keen to show that the future of the energy industry also lies in the hands of talented and passionate young people. The competition was tougher and more exciting than ever before, but only the best managed to secure a place in the final. To receive this award, the projects had to withstand careful scrutiny by a panel of expert judges. Johannes Kathan (AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH), Karina Knaus (Austrian Energy Agency), Martin Moser (ed-energiedigital), Gerd Schauer (FH Technikum Wien) and Manfred Hämmerle (imh GmbH) selected the three finalist teams, who were ultimately able to impress the broad specialist audience with their presentation.

The other final projects

The team from i:HTL Radkersburg (Cedric Streitberger and Manuel Weidinger) took second place with their project "Model predictive optimization of heat pumps" and the group from HTL Rennweg (Maria Johanna Lamprecht, Mathias Schidlo and Maximilian Victor) came third with "IBG - The innovative biogas plant for the garden".

The YOUNG EPCON AWARD

Up-and-coming projects by students, school pupils and apprentices in the field of energy and sustainability could be submitted until March 25, 2024. The expert jury selected the three most promising projects from the numerous submissions. The assessment criteria for the award were sustainability, innovative strength, industry relevance and feasibility. These were presented by the entrants to an interested audience at Austria's largest energy congress. The best project was selected via live voting by the audience on site. The YOUNG EPCON AWARD offers a unique opportunity for exchange between young talent and the energy industry. imh has been presenting this award since 2018 to help achieve climate targets. This year, the award was once again supported by partner Energie Steiermark, represented by Martin Graf.