The National Research Council of Italy (CNR) and Carbfix, a global leader in carbon capture and mineral storage technology, have signed a five-year strategic agreement to advance research on innovative technologies aimed at mitigating climate change and accelerating the energy transition. Building on their collaboration in the Horizon 2020 GECO (Geothermal Emission Gas Control) project—where CNR participated through the Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources—this partnership seeks to push the boundaries of sustainable innovation. The two partners will focus their efforts on developing CCMS technology (Carbon Capture and Mineral Storage), exploring its large-scale application and integration in various scenarios, including geothermal energy, hydrogen production, and achieving net zero in "hard-to-abate" industries.

"This alliance," commented CNR President Maria Chiara Carrozza, "marks a significant step toward integrating innovative technologies that will contribute to decarbonization and drive the global energy transition. Through the synergy between advanced scientific research and industrial applications, CNR strengthens its commitment to combating climate change and promoting sustainable solutions for a low-carbon future."

Carbfix, renowned globally for its groundbreaking work in converting CO₂ into stable minerals for permanent underground storage, operates the world’s first industrial-scale CCMS hub in Iceland. Since 2007, the company has demonstrated that its patented mineralization process is a scalable solution for significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and continues to expand through global collaborations with academic, industrial, and governmental partners. (9colonne)