Renewable Carbon Events

CO2-based Fuels and Chemicals Conference 2024
2024-04-17 - 2024-04-18 | Maternushaus, Kardinalfringsstraße 1-3, Köln, 50668, Germany
The CO2-based Fuels and Chemicals Conference is one of internationally established and has developed into a unique meeting and networking place for the entire Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) and Power-to-X industry and its customers. The upcoming 12th edition of this conference again will continue with this success and will showcase again the newest and most important developments in the fast growing field of CO2 capture and utilisation.
With a current capacity of over 1.3 million tonnes for CO2-based products and steadily growing demand, smart Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies are helping to establish CO2 as a renewable carbon feedstock. Innovative technologies and materials are crucial to meet the increasing demand for fossil-free carbon, e.g. derived from CO2 or biomass, especially in the chemical and fuel sector.
Further information: https://co2-chemistry.eu

AI Circular Economy Conference 2026
2026-03-04 - 2026-03-05 | Maternushaus, Kardinalfringsstraße 1-3, Köln, 50668, Germany
Unlocking the Potential of Renewable Carbon from Biomass, CCU and Recycling.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a technological trend; it is a transformative force that is accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable carbon sources in the chemical and materials industry. This represents one of the greatest industrial challenges since the beginning of the industrial revolution, requiring the most advanced digital solutions available. AI is emerging as the key enabler of this transformation.
nova-Institute proudly presents its new highlight event, bringing together the best innovators, researchers, and practitioners of this fundamental digital transformation of our society: The AI Circular Economy Conference, 4-5 March, 2026 in Cologne and online. Join us at this groundbreaking conference to explore how advanced AI tools and applications are shaping the future of circular and sustainable materials by unlocking the full potential of renewable carbon from biomass, carbon capture utilisation (CCU), and recycling:

High-tech innovators are delivering cutting-edge AI solutions for science and industry.
Chemical and plastics producers are using AI to innovate more quickly, efficiently, and sustainably.
The agricultural and biomass sectors are using AI to identify new sources of raw materials and close the loop on material flows.
Cutting-edge applications of AI, including AI-assisted modelling of CCU processes and catalysts, optimisation of CO₂ capture, and the design of novel chemical pathways such as those involving electrochemistry.
Use of AI for process control and optimisation in depolymerisation, advanced waste stream sorting and feedstock analysis, as well as quality assurance of recycled materials.

Featuring top experts in AI development, chemical and plastics manufacturing, biotechnology, agriculture, recycling and sustainability, this interdisciplinary event will explore the latest developments in the field. Whether you are a data scientist working on new industrial applications, a materials professional seeking for practical tools, or part of the management or investment community looking to understand strategic and financial opportunities, this conference will provide you with actionable insights, valuable use cases and collaborative opportunities. The “AI Circular Economy Conference” will bring together all relevant stakeholders to discuss the need for AI solutions in a circular economy in the chemistry and materials sector and to match these needs with technical solutions from scientists and developers.
Further information at https://ai-circulareconomy.eu

WaterProof Webinar: Industrial-Urban Symbiosis – Industrial-Urban Symbiosis: Business, Funding, and Practical Insights
2026-03-24 13:00 - 14:30 (Europe/Berlin)
24 March 2026, 13:00-14:30 CET, online

Turning Underutilised Resources into Economic & Environmental Value
Industrial-Urban Symbiosis (I-US) enables new business opportunities though the collaboration of diverse stakeholders across various sectors. Hereby, this innovative approach facilitates the exchange of underutilised resources, e.g. by-products, residues, energy, water, capacities, and expertise, keeping materials productive longer. By repurposing outputs as inputs, I-US can minimise resource extraction, cut costs, and advance objectives of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan.
Key criteria of this value creation are aligned stakeholder interest and the exchange of perspectives. Businesses benefit from reduced raw material costs, supply chain resilience, lower disposal expenses, and new revenue opportunities. Meanwhile local authorities and regions can profit from healthier ecosystems, economic vitality, and new job opportunities. These complementary goals drive economic resilience and systemic change towards sustained resource loops, higher recycling rates and enhanced regional sustainability.
To turn theory into practice, the EU-funded WaterProof project hosts the webinar “Industrial-Urban Symbiosis: Business, Funding, and Practical Insights”. Join on 24 March 2026 from 13:00 to 14:30 CET for targeted strategies and practical insights that will equip industry professionals and practitioners with proven I-US skills.
Register here!

The webinar will feature presentations from leading experts:

Alena Jahns/Mara Wagner (IZES): Introduction to the WaterProof project and Industrial Urban Symbiosis.
James Woodcock (International Synergies Limited & H4C ECoP): Business cases and funding for I-US
Hannes Utikal (Provadis School, Process4Sustainability at Industrial Park Höchst, Frankfurt): Practical example: Industrial Symbiosis collaboration at Höchst Industrial Park.
Eric Schuler (Avantium): Embedding CCU/the volta technology in the I-US context

The WaterProof Project and I-US Integration
The EU-funded research project WaterProof implements I-US by developing a cutting-edge CO2 conversion technology . Powered by renewable energy, this unique electrochemical process converts CO₂ captured from wastewater treatment and waste incineration into formic acid. It hereby turns emissions into a sustainable carbon feedstock replacing fossil resources. The generated formic acid will be tested in applications like fish leather tanning and consumer cleaning products as well as the formulation of Formic-derived Acidic Deep Eutectic Solvents (ADES). The project’s synergies perfectly illustrate I-US potentials: Urban CO₂ emissions supply chemical industries. Peroxide by-products treat wastewater contaminated with pesticides, antibiotics, and pharmaceuticals. Formic-derived Acidic Deep Eutectic Solvents (ADES) extract precious metals from ash and sludge, creating closed loop circular systems.
For more information on the WaterProof project, visit https://waterproof-project.eu.
WaterProof is Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

CO2-based Fuels and Chemicals Conference 2026
2026-04-28 - 2026-04-29 | Maternushaus, Kardinalfringsstraße 1-3, Köln, 50668, Germany
The CO2-based Fuels and Chemicals Conference has successfully established itself as an international and unique meeting and networking ground for the entire Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) and Power-to-X industry and its customers. The upcoming 13th edition of the conference will take place on 28–29 April 2026, Cologne, Germany as a hybrid event. Organiser nova-Institute expects over 250 leading international experts in the field of CCU, green hydrogen production and Power-to-X. Once more the event will showcase the latest innovations and most important developments in the fast-growing field of Carbon Capture and Utilisation with plenty of opportunities to network.
Further information at: https://co2-chemistry.eu
