The Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC) is working to address one of the most critical challenges of our time: climate change. With this aim, IREC has participated in two significant events that demonstrate its commitment to this cause and its innovative approach towards mitigating carbon emissions. These events, “Aportando Valor al CO2” and “Captura y usos del CO2: un camino hacia la sostenibilidad” are notable milestones in the ongoing dialogue around carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon utilisation.
The congress “Aportando Valor al CO2,” organized by Plataforma Tecnológica Española del CO2 (PTECO2) cast light on the potential of transforming waste CO2 into a valuable resource. This seminar emphasised the necessity of progressing technologies for CO2 capture and storage, an essential initiative in reducing carbon emissions and achieving worldwide climate targets.
The conference on storage and capture of CO2, titled “Captura y usos del CO2: un camino hacia la sostenibilidad,” was jointly organised by Plataforma Tecnológica Española del CO2 (PTECO2), the Asociación de Periodistas de Información Ambiental (APIA), and the Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (ICM–CSIC). This gathering aimed to raise awareness among scientists, technologists, and particularly energy-sector stakeholders about the importance of promoting solutions for treating CO2 emissions as an essential part of combating climate change. The emphasis was on encouraging awareness and forming consensus around solutions ready for immediate implementation, even if transitional. These include the geological sequestration of CO2 as a quick response route to avoid emissions, as well as raising awareness of the urgency of having solutions on an industrial scale for a new chemistry of the carbon based, in the near future, only on the use of carbon of non-fossil origin, such as those of biogenic origin and those coming from removing CO2 from the air or seawater.
Both events highlighted the immense potential of these strategies and the necessity for substantial collaboration and innovation within this field.
As a leading energy research institute, IREC is committed to facilitating these collaborative efforts, fostering dialogue among experts, and catalysing synergy among peers in the field. Through these seminars and its ongoing work, IREC is bringing the conversation about decarbonisation and CO2 capture to the public domain, with the objective of making scientific progress accessible to society.
The work of IREC in the field of decarbonisation and CO2 capture is of paramount importance. As we strive towards a more sustainable future, CCS and CO2 utilisation play a crucial role in reducing our environmental impact. Through pioneering research and commitment collaboration, IREC is making significant strides in this direction. By sharing cutting-edge research with experts, IREC is not only advancing the field, but also shaping the future of energy research for the planet. As we continue to grapple with the urgent threat of climate change, the Institute’s work is more important than ever.
