A holistic artificial photosynthesis platform for the production of viable solar fuels
Our Mission
REFINE is a multidisciplinary, EU HORIZON-funded project, dedicated to developing a revolutionary artificial photosynthesis system capable of directly producing high-energy alcohols such as isopropanol and butanol, using captured carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) generated through water photoelectrolysis. REFINE produces green platform chemicals, from cutting edge hybrid inorganic-biological systems, to device prototyping, market applicability and socio-political placing.
REFINE roadmap on Solar Fuels
On the 13th February 2025, the workshop "Innovating Solar Fuels: A Multi-Perspective Discussion on Overcoming Barriers and Creating Pathways to Sustainable Energy Solutions" took place in Paris. The workshop explored and extended our innovative approach of isobutanol production through artificial photosynthesis beyond the strictly technological aspect, by addressing public acceptance, risk perception and economic feasibility. The interactive "World Café" methodology was employed and facilitated the dialogue between academic scientists, engineers, policymakers and industry stakeholders, that assessed and discussed the barriers and future of solar fuels through the REFINE approach. This workshop was a part of three events hosted by SUNER-C regarding the future of solar fuels and chemicals.
«REFINE: The Fourth-Generation of Biorefineries»
OUR GOALS
- Budget: 4.9 M
- EU contribution: 3.9 M€
- Grant agreement ID: 101122323
- Project coordinator: University of Oslo (A. Chatzitakis, T. Norby)
- Partners involved: 10 partners from 6 EU countries
- Starting date: 1st November 2023
- Duration: 48 months
- Achieve sustainable and efficient production platform for solar-derived chemicals
- Create solar fuel policies
- Study societal acceptance and risk perceptions
- Strengthen Europe’s energy independence
- Decentralized production of high-value platform chemicals
- Direct green H2 storage in high-energy, liquid hydrocarbons
- Catalysts and processes development under Research and Innovation
CONSORTIUM
