HG Energy at ITQ Leads the Charge in Carbon-Neutral Industry with SUPERVAL and PHOTOHEAT

In a world racing to decarbonize industries, HG Energy, part of the Instituto de Tecnología Química (ITQ-UPV-CSIC), is taking a bold step forward with two groundbreaking research projects: SUPERVAL and PHOTOHEAT. These initiatives are not just scientific endeavors—they are blueprints for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Backed by the European Union and Spain’s Agencia Estatal de Investigación, these projects continue the pioneering research of FlowPhotoChem and PHOTORED, harnessing cutting-edge photocatalysis to revolutionize industrial processes.

Imagine transforming industrial waste into valuable chemicals while reducing carbon emissions. That’s the mission of SUPERVAL. By developing solar-driven photocatalysts, this project aims to convert combustion byproducts from heavy industry—such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen—into essential chemicals like ammonia and formic acid. These compounds are crucial for sectors like chemical manufacturing and transportation, where cleaner alternatives are urgently needed.

Led by Principal Investigator Josep Albero, PHOTOHEAT is redefining how solar energy can be utilized in chemical processes. Unlike conventional photocatalysis, which relies mainly on UV light, PHOTOHEAT’s innovative materials harness energy from the entire solar spectrum, including infrared. This breakthrough opens the door to more efficient reactions, such as carbon dioxide hydrogenation and methane oxidation—two key processes in the fight against industrial carbon emissions.

Both projects are more than scientific experiments; they are transformative pillars of modern sustainable chemistry. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels and optimizing renewable energy use, HG Energy and ITQ are leading the way toward greener industrial solutions. The potential applications extend beyond chemistry, influencing materials science, construction, and even the plastics industry—turning today’s waste into tomorrow’s resources.

As the world looks for actionable solutions to the climate crisis, these projects highlight how innovation and science can drive meaningful change. HG Energy isn’t just part of the conversation—it’s leading it.