As the European Union strives to lead the charge in digital, climate-neutral, and sustainable circular economies, a consortium of 35 organisations is spearheading the Horizon Europe Innovation Action project, “Sustainable Circular Economy Transition: from Industrial Symbiosis to Hubs for Circularity (IS2H4C).” Headed by the University of Twente, this four-year initiative aims to establish industrial hubs in the Netherlands, Turkey, the Basque Country, and Germany.
The IS2H4C project recognises the pivotal role of collaborative efforts and technological symbioses in fostering a circular economy. Emphasising systemic change, the consortium focuses on industrial symbioses’ potential, integrating green technologies like carbon capture and electrolysis. The envisioned hubs prioritise resource efficiency, renewable energy, waste reduction, and the promotion of symbiotic relationships between industrial, urban, and rural sectors. With a project volume of €23.5 million, IS2H4C is set to implement its innovative model in four European hubs: Hub Twente (Netherlands), Basque Hub (Spain), Industriepark Höchst (Germany), and Izmir-Manisa Hub (Turkey).
Turkish Hub – Advancing Sustainability in the Izmir-Manisa Region
In particular, the Izmir-Manisa Hub targets regions with oil and gas, household appliances, and industrial ports strategically located near the Aegean coastline. The collaborative efforts include green hydrogen production through electrolysis using renewable energy and carbon dioxide capture from an oil refinery via carbon capture through adsorption. The generated green hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide will be utilised for eco-methanol production.
Fraunhofer UMSICHT, a key contributor to the project, brings its expertise in methanol synthesis and the synthesis of dicarbamates from CO2 to the Turkish hub. The goal is to develop a methane less synthesis based on CO2/H2 or CO2-rich synthesis gases, with a focus on scaling up technologies for industrial integration. Nils Mölders, Head of Product Development at Fraunhofer UMSICHT, emphasises the challenges of scaling up technologies and integrating them into industrial sites. The laboratory and pilot plants will play a crucial role in developing methanol synthesis and downstream processes.
Paving the Way for a Greener Future
IS2H4C aspires to set a new standard for sustainable regional development models, charting a course towards a cleaner and greener future. The initiative is poised to reshape industrial practices, enhance societal well-being, and contribute to environmental sustainability. By facilitating circular economy hubs’ market penetration, the project introduces novel financing models and social innovation approaches, unlocking public and private investments. In the pursuit of a circular economy, IS2H4C stands as a pioneering initiative, steering Europe towards a more sustainable and interconnected industrial landscape.
