SUN-TO-X IN A NUTSHELL
The Sun-To-X project focuses on using solar energy to produce a carbon-free, non-toxic, energy-dense, liquid fuel -Hydrosil, with very good long-term stability, which is applicable in the transport and energy sectors. This unique carbon-free fuel can store large amounts of hydrogen, can be regenerated after use, does not use rare materials and has a very low impact on environment.
The Sun-To-X consortium proposes the energy storage system described in the figure below, where Hydrosil is synthesised through the use of solar energy, ambient water (captured from humidity and rain) and a rechargeable silica liquid. In addition, the consortium will demonstrate the use of the Hydrosil molecule in waste plastic valorisation towards a circular economy.
STEPS
- STEP 1: We will use membrane photoelectrode assemblies that can operate with solar energy using only ambient humidity as the water supply.
- STEP 2: We will develop reactors for the renewable production of Hydrosil for the first time.
- STEP 3: We will demonstrate a completely decarbonised energy cycle with liquid fuels to transition to a circular economy.
STRUCTURE
![HZB](https://sun-to-x.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/HZB.png)
This work package is led by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) and its main objective is to fabricate porous photoanode assemblies.
![EPFL](https://sun-to-x.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/EPFL-2.png)
This work package is led by the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and aims to develop a photocathode assembly.
![DIFFER](https://sun-to-x.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/DIFFER-1.png)
Work package 3 is led by the Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research NWO-I and focuses on developing the next generation of MPEA-based tandem cells that will produce solar hydrogen using humidity of ambient air as water feedstock.
![HYSILABS](https://sun-to-x.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/HYSILABS-2.png)
This work package is led by Hysilabs and its main objective is to design a charging unit that will perform the storage of hydrogen into a liquid hydrogen carrier HydroSil.
![ENGIE](https://sun-to-x.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ENGIE-2.png)
Work package 5, led by Engie, will design, commission and operate a device that integrates the PEC system and the Hydrosil synthesis reactor developed in the project.
![LGI](https://sun-to-x.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/LGI.png)
Work package 6 is led by LGI and will focus on creating the conditions for a successful market uptake of the technology developed in the project. This work package will also make sure that the results obtained are disseminated and used after the project ends.
![TOYOTA](https://sun-to-x.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TOYOTA-1.png)
Work package 7, led by Toyota Motor Europe, will coordinate the project from a technical, scientific, legal, financial and administrative point of view.
![LGI](https://sun-to-x.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/LGI.png)
This work package is led by LGI and its main goal is to communicate and disseminate the activities and results generated in Sun-To-X to target audiences and key stakeholders.
The project, coordinated by Toyota Motor Europe, gathers 9 partners from 5 different countries.
To find out more about Sun-To-X partners, visit our project partners page.