On August 20, SUNRISE and ENERGY-X representatives took part in the panel discussion of the session: “The Energy-Chemistry Nexus: Towards a European Sustainable Energy & Catalysis Research Initiative”, organized by ENERGY-X. The session was held during the 14th European Congress on Catalysis, EuropaCat 2019, celebrated in Aachen (Germany) from 18 – 23 August, 2019.

​During the panel discussion of the session, participants of both initiatives announced the joint cooperation between ENERGY-X and SUNRISE as a major step towards building a climate neutral EU. We will both continue to pursue our own roadmapping actions until February 2020, when we plan to merge in a new initiative, with a new name.

​Jens Nørskov, ENERGY-X coordinator, moderated the round table formed by six representatives.  While SUNRISE was represented by Frédéric Chandezon and Hervé Bercegol (both from CEA), as well as Maximilian Fleischer (Siemens AG); Bert Weckhuysen (Utrecht University), Gabriele Centi (University of Messina) and Robert Schlögl (Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society), spoke on behalf of ENERGY-X.

​Frédéric Chandezon: “Our cooperation with ENERGY-X is founded on a mutual commitment to a sustainable future. To achieve shared European values and tackle global warming, we must create synergies, coordinate responses and measure progress together”.

​Both projects share common goals for the conversion of renewable energies into alternative fuels and chemicals. Currently, ENERGY-X and SUNRISE are working together towards a common Manifesto.

​Bert Weckhuysen: “If we want Europe to move to a net-zero carbon economy and take a leading position in the world, we need to do a lot on all types of energy capture, storage and conversion. Climate change is a global problem and both academia and industry need to be on the same page to abate it”.

​The conference, organised by the Society for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (DECHEMA), provided a great opportunity to the SUNRISE and ENERGY-X participants to discuss scientific progress of both initiatives under the motto “Catalysis without Borders”, counting with more than 200 speakers and 1500 attendees from industry and academia.

​We would like to thank DECHEMA organisers for making this valuable opportunity available to all of us. More updates on this fresh joint cooperation will follow soon!