The National Research Council (Cnr) and Carbfix, world leader in mineralogical carbon capture and storage (CCMS) technology, have recently announced, in an official note, that they have signed a five-year strategic agreement that marks a significant milestone in the fight against climate change and the advancement of the energy transition. This partnership was created with the aim of pushing the boundaries of innovation in the sustainable energy sector.
The agreement follows the previous collaboration between Cnr and Carbfix in Horizon 2020 GECO (Geothermal Emission Gas Control) projectwhich highlighted the potential of integrating CCMS technology with renewable geothermal energy systems. The two entities will focus on the development and expansion of CCMS technology, exploring its large-scale applications and integration into various energy scenarios, including those related to geothermal energy, hydrogen production and difficult-to-decarbonize industries.
The President of the Cnr Maria Chiara Carrozza commented: “I am proud to announce this strategic collaboration with Carbfix, a leading global partner in mineralogical carbon capture and storage. This alliance represents a significant step towards the integration of innovative technologies that will contribute to decarbonization and drive the global energy transition. Through the synergy between advanced scientific research and industrial applications, the CNR strengthens its commitment to combating climate change and promoting sustainable solutions for a low-carbon future“.
Edda Sif Pind Aradóttir, CEO of Carbfixadded: “Carbfix technology was born from international collaborations undertaken almost 20 years ago: since then we have made great progress in the implementation and expansion of this technology. But our core is still research and innovation, which the partnership with the CNR will further support, to the benefit of climate action and recovery“.
Carbfix is recognized for its innovative work in converting CO₂ into stable minerals for permanent underground storage, operating the world’s first industrial-scale CCMS hub in Iceland. The collaboration with the Cnr not only expands the possibilities for research and development, but also strengthens the commitment towards the creation of scalable solutions to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Cnr, for its part, is a point of reference in research on carbon capture and storage (CCS), CCMS, and CCUS, as well as on critical raw materials and renewable energy sources. This partnership also emphasizes knowledge transfer and skills development, offering training opportunities for young researchers and doctoral students, underlining the importance of education and open innovation.