SAF+ Consortium inc. Aims to develop the first commercial scale technology platform to convert CO₂ from industrial pollution to clean aviation fuel using renewable electricity and H₂. Such technology has the potential to reduce 80% of carbon emission on a life-cycle basis, compared to conventional jet fuel. This platform involves two steps : 1) catalytic conversion of CO₂ into CO (“reverse water gas shift” reaction) and 2) catalytic reaction of CO₂ with CO (Fisher-Tropsch reaction) to obtain liquid hydrocarbons. Both steps have been the subject of separate research and development in the past.

In this project, SAF+ partners with the Engineering Process Intensification and Catalysis (EPIC) research group from Polytechnique Montreal, Daria Camilla Boffito, full professor who will lead this project, and the Centre d’études des procédés chimiques du Québec (CÉPROCQ).

The aim of the project is to identify the most promising technoeconomically configuration among available options to produce jet fuel, before validating and optimising the process at a pilot scale. The academic reseach activities will be focused on process integration, as well as the catalyst and reactors design for both steps. The deliverables include an integrated plant conceptual design of the processes and a new class of Fischer-Tropsch catalysts that maximize the selectivity towards jet fuel. At the same time, we will finish the first pilot scale demonstration.

This research project will eventually give Canadian airlines access to a local low-emissions fuel to comply with regulatory requirements such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

As well as helping to promote clean technologies and create jobs, this collaborative R&D effort will also provide a carbon-reduction solution for major emitters, using low-cost through low-cost alternatives based on off-peak use of hydroelectricity.

To read the Polytechnique press release, click here.

The project aims to improve polymer glazing technology in automotive ground transportation industry. This disruptive technology presents the potential to replace today’s glass glazing and reduce by 50% the weight of transportation glazing, leading to fuel consumption and greenhouse gases emission reduction. ON a Quebec-wide scale, it could mean saving 67 million liters of fuel and reducing CO2 emissions by 170,000 tons annually.

Over a 3-year period, this project will gather seven industrial partners – including five companies implanted in Quebec – selected throughout the supply chain: material suppliers, injection molded plastic product manufacturers, manufacturers of equipment specialized for thin coating deposition, ground transportation industry suppliers and clients (automotive, bus, and rail vehicules). Research and development activities will be lead by NRCC and the Groupe CTT, two research centers with complementary expertise.

The specific scientific and technical objectives will aim to develop protective coatings for polymer glazing and their manufacturing processes in order to:

• Reach the requirements for optical clarity and abrasive resistance imposed by today’s standards in North America and by the manufacturers
• Reach the manufacturer durability requirements (> 7 years)
• Reach competitive manufacturing costs.

Developing a zero CO2 emission Portland cement production process using Pyrowave’s microwave technology and the expertise of the Université de Sherbrooke.

This project intends to electrify the process on an industrial scale, thereby replacing fossil fuels with renewable electricity while producing a pure CO2 gas that is ready for sequestration.

This microwave technology will produce a Portland cement that complies with Canadian standards, thus facilitating the industry’s adoption.

The project has already created interest within the industry; the Holcim Maqer Ventures accelerator selected the initiative to speed up its commercialization.