An international consortium involving the University of Warsaw has launched a new project funded under the “Horizon Europe” programme. SUN2X-SET focuses on the development of direct solar fuel technologies and is one of the elements designed to accelerate Europe’s transition to clean energy. The working group addressing research and innovation priorities in the field of direct solar fuels is led by Prof. Joanna Kargul from the UW’s Centre of New Technologies.
The SUN2X-SET project is being carried out under the Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) of the “Horizon Europe” programme (HE CSA). It involves representatives from a variety of sectors engaged in clean energy: the worlds of science, business, politics, and civil society organisations. The consortium aims to establish an EU forum for research and innovation in the field of direct solar fuels. It also intends to play an active role in implementing the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan.
The team is coordinated by the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA) and also includes representatives from the University of Warsaw, the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives, CEA), and CO2 Value Europe (CVE – an international non-profit organisation representing the entire carbon capture and utilisation value chain in Europe).
“All four institutions will combine their complementary expertise and extensive experience in solar fuel research to support innovation, continuity and collaboration in the field of Direct Solar Fuels,” says Prof. Joanna Kargul, head of the Photosynthesis and Solar Fuels Laboratory at the UW’s Centre of New Technologies. The researcher coordinates the work of the SUN2X-SET project’s working group on research and innovation priorities in the field of direct solar fuels. She will be supported in these activities by teams from CEA, EERA, and CVE.
European platform
This new initiative builds on the achievements of the SUNERGY programme and the SUNER-C project (Prof. Joanna Kargul has been a member of the SUNERGY board for many years and also represented the UW in the SUNER-C project).
SUN2X-SET aims to:
- develop Europe’s first strategic research and innovation agenda as well as technology roadmap for DSF;
- align priorities with the European strategic plan for energy technologies;
- lay the foundations for a strong, inclusive stakeholder forum, whose ambition is to achieve the status of a European Technology and Innovation Platform.
“Direct Solar Fuels technology uses sunlight to produce fuels such as hydrogen directly. This is a promising route towards decarbonising industry, increasing energy security and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness in the field of clean energy,” emphasises Prof. Kargul.
“Through the SUN2X-SET project, we are bringing together Europe’s leading experts to create a strong, organised community capable of setting clear research priorities and supporting industrial development,” said Gabriele Gaffuri of EERA, the SUN2X-SET project coordinator.
The SUN2X-SET project will run until 2028. Through this project, experts from the consortium aim to help shape the future of innovation in the field of solar fuels in Europe and contribute to the development of a climate-neutral economy.