The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT, and South Korean energy company SGC Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly advance technologies for energy conversion, carbon utilization and energy storage.
The collaboration will focus on CO₂ electrolysis, hydrogen technologies, fuel cells and battery systems. By combining advanced materials research, electrochemical engineering and industrial implementation capabilities, the partners aim to accelerate the development and commercialization of technologies that can support a more climate-neutral industrial sector.
Turning CO₂ into a Valuable Industrial Feedstock
As industries move towards decarbonisation, carbon dioxide is increasingly being viewed not only as an emission to be reduced but also as a potential feedstock for producing valuable chemicals and fuels. A major focus of the new partnership will therefore be the electrochemical conversion of CO₂. Using electrical energy, CO₂ can be converted into feedstocks for chemical products and synthetic fuels. One promising application is the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). In South Korea, CO₂ electrolysis is regarded as a promising technology pathway for SAF production and supports the country’s broader decarbonisation strategy. Through the collaboration, SGC Energy plans to integrate its carbon capture facilities with technologies developed by Fraunhofer IAP and Fraunhofer UMSICHT. As a result, the partnership aims to establish a foundation for the industrial deployment and commercialization of CO₂ utilization technologies in South Korea while reducing long-term dependence on fossil-based feedstocks.
Advanced Membranes to Improve Electrolyzer Efficiency
Efficient and reliable electrochemical systems require high-performance materials and durable components. In particular, membranes play a critical role in CO₂ electrolysis and other energy conversion technologies.
Membranes selectively separate substances and enable ion transport, directly influencing the efficiency, selectivity and operational lifetime of electrochemical systems. While established membrane technologies already support hydrogen electrolysis, CO₂ electrolysis still requires further material development to achieve reliable and cost-effective industrial-scale deployment.
“With this cooperation, we are creating a framework in which material development, system integration, and practical application are considered together from the outset. Whether in CO₂ electrolysis, hydrogen, fuel cells, or batteries, a climate-neutral industry requires high-performance materials, robust components, and partners who consistently drive research toward practical application,” said Professor Alexander Böker, Director of Fraunhofer IAP.
Fraunhofer IAP Develops Advanced Energy Materials
Fraunhofer IAP will contribute its expertise in polymeric energy materials and their scale-up to industry-relevant applications. Its work includes the development of PFAS-free high-performance membranes for electrolyzers, as well as polymer solid electrolytes and binders for battery technologies. These advanced materials aim to improve the performance, energy efficiency and durability of electrochemical systems.
Furthermore, PFAS-free membrane technologies could offer additional advantages as regulatory attention increasingly focuses on the use of PFAS chemicals. By tailoring membrane and material properties, the researchers aim to develop electrochemical systems that are more efficient, durable and powerful.
Fraunhofer UMSICHT Focuses on CO₂ Electrolysis and System Scale-Up
Complementing the materials expertise of Fraunhofer IAP, Fraunhofer UMSICHT will contribute its experience in electrochemistry, plant engineering and industrial-scale system development. The institute will focus on developing cost-competitive CO₂ electrolysis cells and innovative stack concepts. It also brings extensive experience in designing, scaling up and testing electrochemical systems under conditions relevant to industrial operations. Importantly, Fraunhofer UMSICHT will work to integrate CO₂ electrolysis technologies into existing industrial infrastructure. This approach aims to accelerate the transition from laboratory research to commercial-scale applications. Professor Christian Doetsch, Director of Fraunhofer UMSICHT, highlighted the importance of combining materials innovation with scalable engineering solutions. “The transformation of industrial energy systems can only succeed when new materials, electrochemical processes, and scalable plant concepts work hand in hand,” he said.
SGC Energy Brings Industrial Resources and Market Expertise
As the industrial partner, SGC Energy will contribute access to CO₂ and power resources, engineering expertise and experience across industrial value chains. By bringing market requirements into the research and development process at an early stage, SGC Energy aims to help ensure that emerging technologies address practical industrial needs and demonstrate viable commercial potential. Ken Yoon, Chief Strategy Officer of SGC Energy, described the collaboration as an important strategic step towards developing technologies required for a climate-neutral industrial future. “For us, this partnership is an important strategic step toward actively shaping the future technologies needed for a climate-neutral industry,” Yoon said. He added that the collaboration with Fraunhofer IAP and Fraunhofer UMSICHT would provide access to advanced research across CO₂ utilization, hydrogen, fuel cells and battery technologies.
Combining Materials, Systems and Industrial Applications
The partnership brings together three complementary areas of expertise. Fraunhofer IAP contributes advanced materials and membrane technologies, Fraunhofer UMSICHT provides electrochemical and system engineering expertise, while SGC Energy brings industrial infrastructure, market knowledge and commercialization capabilities. Together, the partners aim to create a more integrated pathway from material development and laboratory research to industrial-scale implementation. This combined approach could help accelerate the development of technologies that improve energy efficiency, expand the use of renewable electricity and support the production of low-carbon chemicals, fuels and energy storage systems.
Partnership Sets the Stage for Joint R&D Projects
By signing the Memorandum of Understanding, the three partners have established a framework for future joint research and development projects. In the coming months, they plan to define specific initiatives focused on CO₂ utilization, hydrogen applications, fuel cell systems and advanced battery technologies.
As per the press release, the collaboration aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and industrial deployment. By combining advanced materials, electrochemical processes, scalable engineering and commercial expertise, Fraunhofer IAP, Fraunhofer UMSICHT and SGC Energy seek to accelerate technologies that could play an important role in the transition towards a more efficient and climate-neutral industrial economy.
