Reaching net-zero emissions will require major changes across the entire energy system. Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) will play a central role, providing nearly 20% of the global emissions reductions needed by 2050. In Europe, the Industrial Carbon Management Strategy foresees over 450 million tonnes of CO₂ captured yearly, with almost half reused to make low-carbon products.
EU initiatives such as the Green Deal, REPowerEU and the Net-Zero Industry Act support this transition by boosting renewable energy, diversifying energy supply and encouraging industries to develop large demonstration plants for CO₂-based fuels. These measures aim to strengthen energy security, enable climate neutrality by 2050, and scale up sustainable fuels for aviation and maritime transport.
Because climate targets are urgent, a diverse set of CO₂ capture and utilization technologies must be tested in real industrial conditions to identify the most efficient pathways.
COUPLED responds to this challenge by demonstrating, at TRL7, an integrated process that produces cost-effective renewable fuels using green hydrogen, biogas, recycled CO₂ and low-quality waste gases. Building on more than a decade of research in chemical looping, membrane separation and process intensification, COUPLED will showcase three complementary technologies covering the full value chain, from biogenic and non-biogenic CO₂ to sustainable fuels.
Coordinated by The University of Manchester, COUPLED unites a powerful consortium of Europe’s leading industrial players and technology innovators. The partnership brings together FINOCAS, SOCAR, CONTARINA and SNAM, alongside catalyst and process leaders Johnson Matthey and WOOD, engineering specialists TECHFEM, and component manufacturers IMI, HELICAL and ZEFIRA. Research excellence is ensured by The University of Manchester and TECNALIA, who contribute essential intellectual property and scientific leadership. The consortium is further supported by PNO, ETAM and INNSIGHT for business development, sustainability assessment and stakeholder engagement across the hydrogen, CCUS and biofuel ecosystems.
