At its core, the term “circular carbon technologies” refers to technologies that enable the energy system to be connected to the raw materials sector — with a focus on carbon. These include technologies:
- to exploit alternative, non-fossil carbon sources such as post-consumer waste through disruptive recycling technologies;
- to use, store and process CO2;
- to process raw materials containing carbon through chemical and/or biological conversion and synthesis processes;
- to sequester carbon in products for the long term;
- to reclaim strategic and critical raw materials;
- to integrate the energy and raw-materials sector systemically through key technologies such as fuel cells, electrolyzers and plasmas.
Another important aspect of the CIRCONOMY® Hub relates to the transfer of knowledge and innovation for the areas of technology addressed. In this respect, the hub is the element that connects science, industry and society and organizes long-term dialog between the groups involved. Outwardly, the cluster aims to position itself internationally as an innovation network for the circular economy and bioeconomy.