Upgrading the HTC infrastructure for scientific research (EFRE1066- HTC-IRS)
Project duration: 2024-2026
Funding: ERDF Programme 2021/2027 – Second Call – Priority 1 “Smart” – Specific Objective “1.1 – Research and Innovation
Total budget: 921.941,72 €
Maximum contribution granted: 921.941,72 €
Contact person: Werner Tirler (scientific coordinator), Helga Bonacquisti (project manager)
Description of the project:
In March 2023, Eco Research submitted a project proposal entitled “ Upgrading the HTC infrastructure for scientific research”, in response to the Second Call – Priority 1 “Smart” – Specific Objective “1.1 – Develop and strengthen research and innovation capabilities and improve the entry of advanced technologies”, published within the ERDF Programme 2021-2027.
By Decree no. 13819/2024 of the Director of the Office for European Integration, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano admitted the Project for ERDF co-funding, for a total project cost of €921,941.72 and a maximum granted contribution of €921,941.72.
Aim of the project EFRE1066 HTC-IRS:
The project proposes the implementation of some improvements on Eco Research’s hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) research infrastructure in order to be able to expand high-quality research activities. Specifically, the project proposal is focused on analysing the behaviour of the HTC reaction, to better understand its potential, both as a decarbonisation tool and as a decontamination of contaminated waste, which would otherwise be undervalued. The proposed improvements stem from the experience gained by Eco Research in the first years of operation of the current infrastructure, in which it emerged not only the need to improve the material mixing system inside the reactor, but also to create a semi-continuous extraction system, which allows the kinetics of the reaction itself to be studied when varying the type of input matrix and operating parameters. The project thus proposes itself as a vehicle for the implementation of increasingly effective and green models of circular economy, increasing the value chain of ‘difficult’ matrices. Through the proposed improvements, Eco Research wants to increase the quality level of knowledge on HTC, in order to build the basis for solving current or future problems.
The project will last 30 months, from 01/07/2024 to 31/12/2026.