A new European project called STEROPE aims to revolutionize industrial decarbonization by converting CO₂ emissions into valuable, sustainable fuels. Over the next four years, the initiative will demonstrate how advanced Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies can produce aviation fuels, marine fuels, and bio-based chemicals. The project leverages green hydrogen and innovative catalytic and membrane systems to achieve these transformations.
Led by HELLENiQ ENERGY in Greece, STEROPE unites sixteen partners from eight European countries. This diverse alliance includes industrial companies, research institutions, and technology experts working together to accelerate the shift toward a low-carbon economy. The project aligns with the European Union’s climate goals, focusing on reducing greenhouse gases while strengthening industrial competitiveness and preserving jobs.
Funded under the Horizon Europe Programme, STEROPE embodies the EU’s vision of a resilient, sustainable industry. It targets emissions from refineries and hard-to-abate sectors, converting them into renewable fuels. This approach offers practical solutions for meeting the EU’s climate targets, including the goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, while decreasing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
A key part of the project is its demonstration plant at the Eleusis refinery in Greece. This fully operational site will host three prototype units responsible for capturing, converting, and synthesizing CO₂. This large-scale implementation will prove that existing industrial assets can be decarbonized effectively, without costly replacements. A digital twin platform will continuously optimize performance, energy efficiency, and environmental impact, maximizing the use of renewable electricity.
By coupling CO₂ valorization with renewable hydrogen and catalytic conversion, STEROPE aims to close the carbon loop and redefine Europe’s industrial future. The project also seeks to demonstrate the conversion of CO₂ emissions into sustainable aviation and marine fuels for real market application.
The project’s kickoff in Athens outlined a clear roadmap for its implementation. Its success is seen as a lighthouse for Europe’s transition to a climate-neutral and circular industrial economy, transforming emissions into resources that benefit society and the environment.
