Koruma Klor Alkali R&D Center has achieved a major international milestone under the European Union’s research and innovation framework, Horizon Europe. The FLEX-CIRC-CO₂ project (“Flexible Circular CO₂ Capture and Utilisation Across Energy-Intensive Industries”), designed to capture carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) emissions from energy-intensive industries and convert them into high-value formic acid, received a 15/15 full score from the European Commission.
The 36-month initiative brings together 14 research and industrial partners from 8 countries: the United Kingdom, Portugal, Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Austria, and Turkey.
Direct Electrochemical Conversion of Carbon Dioxide into High-Value Formic Acid
The primary innovation of the FLEX-CIRC-CO₂ project lies in integrating carbon capture and electrochemical conversion steps into a unified system. Koruma Klor Alkali R&D Center will leverage its expertise in electrochemical process development and $CO_2$ utilization, specifically contributing to the design and development of the pilot-scale electrolysis cell.
Proven Track Record in EU-Funded Initiatives
Having inaugurated its R&D center in 2015, Koruma Klor Alkali participated in its first EU-funded initiative in 2018 under the Horizon 2020 program. According to the European Commission's CORDIS database, the company is also listed among the participants of the Horizon 2020-supported USABLE PACKAGING project (Unlocking the Potential of Sustainable Biodegradable Packaging).
Europe's €93.5 Billion Research & Innovation Framework
Covering the 2021–2027 period with an indicative budget of €93.5 billion, Horizon Europe stands as the EU's flagship funding mechanism for research and innovation, targeting climate change mitigation, sustainable industrial development, competitiveness, and technological innovation.
Executive Statement from Chairman Vefa İbrahim Aracı
Vefa İbrahim Aracı, Chairman of the Board of Koruma Klor Alkali, commented:
At Koruma, we position R&D at the center of our production processes, competitiveness, and sustainability efforts. We place great value on scientific research reaching applicable, scalable, and value-generating industrial results. Continuing our EU project track record with the FLEX-CIRC-CO₂ project, which was evaluated with a perfect 15/15 score under Horizon Europe, is a strong international testament to our R&D team's technical competency. We take great pride in our team's achievement. The project will develop efficient, compact, and scalable solutions through an innovative, integrated carbon capture and conversion system. Bringing Koruma’s electrochemical expertise together with Europe's research and industrial institutions marks a valuable milestone for our global R&D vision.
