THUNDER

Sustainable e-MeOH Production via Thermoelectrocatalytic Tandem Reactor.

The THUNDER project, coordinated by Eurecat, develops a thermoelectrocatalytic tandem reactor for e-MeOH production from renewable energies, integrating CO₂ and water capture and conversion in a single device through a “one-pot” process. The project combines co-electrolysis to generate CO and green H₂ with CO₂/CO hydrogenation to synthesize e-MeOH, overcoming the limitations of current systems in cost, energy consumption, and overall efficiency.

THUNDER’s innovation lies in integrating all steps into a single modular system, using multifunctional membranes, advanced catalysts, and surplus heat recovery to optimize efficiency and reduce reliance on critical raw materials. This approach enables a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75%, CAPEX by 50–60%, and OPEX by 8–16%. In addition, recycling CO₂/H₂O vapor and residual heat helps to close the carbon loop and optimize resource and energy use.

The Chemical Technology unit, which coordinates the consortium of the project, is responsible for catalyst synthesis and the design, assembly, optimisation and scale-up of innovative reactors. Meanwhile, the Waste, Energy and Environmental Impact unit carries out sustainability assessments, including life cycle analysis (LCA), as well as studies on the use of renewable energy and heat recovery to enhance the energy efficiency of the processes.

The project consortium consists of seven international partners, forming a multidisciplinary team with expertise in catalysts, membranes, 3D reactors, process intensification, electrochemistry, thermochemistry and e-MeOH applications in fuel cells for mobility and electricity generation.

THUNDER positions this technology as a key driver for the transition towards a sustainable economy based on renewable energy and clean fuels.