TCM plays a key role in the AURORA project

About AURORA

AURORA is a collaborative project funded by the European Union’s HORIZON EUROPE research and innovation program. Its primary objective is to optimize and qualify the open, non-proprietary CESAR1 solvent-based carbon capture technology for commercial deployment. The project commenced in January 2023, with a focus on demonstrating the technology at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7–8 in at least three CO₂-intensive industries: refining, cement, and materials recycling. These sectors have been chosen due to the absence of viable alternatives toward achieving climate neutrality.

Strong industry participation

In addition to TCM, the AURORA consortium includes eight members from various industry and research institutions across Europe. In early January, the project members convened in Cambridge, UK, to engage in stimulating brainstorming sessions focused on technical and innovative ideas.

Koteswara Rao Putta serves as the Technical Services Lead & Research Project Coordinator at TCM, representing the company in the consortium overseeing the project. He mentioned, “TCM actively participates in several work packages related to model development, validation, and technology assessments. We are also making planning and preparations for a solvent testing at TCM.”

«What are the main challenges for the commercial deployment of the CESAR1 solvent?»

«The commercial deployment of the CESAR1 solvent faces several challenges. Mainly of an operational nature. In this regard, TCM contributes valuable experiences from our test of CESAR1 conducted three years ago. The project aims to tackle these challenges. By demonstrating the technology’s viability in CO₂-intensive industries.»

“The CESAR1 solvent was named after the FP7 CESAR project (2008-2011). In which the aqueous mixture of 2-Amino-2-Methyl-1-Propanol (AMP) and piperazine (PZ) was first studied. Because the CESAR1 solvent repeatedly outperformed the reference MEA solvent technology in pilot tests. Also CESAR1 has good energy performance, low degradation rates. And can achieve very high capture rates and is easier to use in flexible modes. Like most solvent technologies, CESAR1 has the advantage of being easily adaptable to almost any flue gas source.” (Soure: https://aurora-heu.eu/the-project/#cesar-solvent)

«What will be the next steps taken in the AURORA project?»

«The project will continue to focus on model development, validation, and technology assessments. Solvent testing at the TCM plant will be a critical milestone in assessing the technology’s readiness for commercial deployment in different industries.»