New Technology
Challenges 2025
Do you have a technological solution related to decarbonization or the circular economy?
Together we can make this a reality.
Deadline: October 1 2025
If you prefer, you can download the form and send it by mail to retos@all4zero-hub.com.
This challenge focuses on developing advanced solutions for the captured CO2 value chain, covering its transport, storage and quality control.
The primary objective is to establish methodologies and technologies that ensure accuracy in CO2 measurement, leak detection and the configuration of efficient and flexible transport networks.
The aim is to overcome current limitations in the standardization and operational capacity for CO2 of varying purities.
Work areas
Fiscal measurement and CO2 trace analysis
Research and development of technologies for the accurate measurement of CO2 flow and composition. This includes fiscal measurement for emissions trading and the detection of impurities that affect material integrity and industrial applications. The focus is on achieving robust, cost-effective analytical methods applicable in the field, overcoming the lack of defined standards and the limited technological maturity beyond laboratory settings.
CO2 leak detection
Development or improvement of monitoring systems for detecting leaks across the entire value chain (capture, transport, storage and end use). The goal is to implement technologies such as drones, sensors and remote detection (satellite and terrestrial) to ensure operational integrity, minimize losses and meet long- term legal responsibilities. This addresses the need for high sensitivity and differentiation of leaks in various environments.
CO2 transport and multi-emitter networks
Study and design of efficient and cost-effective CO2 transport networks for multiple emitters. The objective is to assess the compatibility of different captured CO2 specifications to enable mixed streams and to define flexible quality standards that facilitate transport and distribution to diverse end uses. This will optimize coordination between emitters and users, overcoming current standardization gaps.
This challenge addresses the urgent need to transform water management in the industrial sector, shifting from a linear to a circular model.
The focus is on maximizing water reuse within production processes, meaning reducing dependence on external sources and leveraging non- conventional water resources, such as rainwater.
Challenges include minimizing energy consumption in treatment processes, managing by-products and adapting to the various required quality specifications, among others.
Work areas
Regeneration and reuse of process water (closed-loop systems)
Development of advanced technologies for the regeneration of industrial wastewater and its recirculation within the same processes, aiming to achieve “zero freshwater intake”. This involves innovations to reduce energy consumption in complex treatments (e.g. reverse osmosis), efficient management of brines and membrane residues, and the design of compact systems adaptable to space constraints.
Low water consumption cooling systems
Research and development of alternatives or add-ons to conventional cooling towers systems, seeking closed-loop systems that minimize or eliminate water consumption in high-temperature industrial processes. The challenge includes efficient reuse of cooling water without compromising equipment performance and the use of residual low-temperature heat.
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) applied to industry
Adaptation and development of SUDS technologies for modular capture, filtration and treatment of stormwater runoff in industrial settings. The goal is to integrate this treated water into specific production processes, addressing the management of “first flush” (more contaminated runoff) and designing flexible systems tailored to required water qualities.
Treatment of common water and alternative sources
Identification and development of standardized treatments for wastewater streams common to multiple industries, as well as defining “minimum common water” specifications for various industrial uses. The aim is to foster synergies and reduce energy costs through cross-cutting technologies and flexible pretreatment protocols.
This challenge focuses on achieving circularity for rigid polyurethane, an insulating material commonly found in industrial waste such as refrigerators and construction panels.
The initiative aims to move beyond current energy recovery practices toward chemical recycling, recovering the original molecular components (polyols) and enabling their reintegration into the production chain.
The challenge addresses issues related to waste purity, contaminant separation and the management of greenhouse gases.
Work areas
Chemical recycling of rigid polyurethane
Development and scaling of technologies such as glycolysis, hydrothermal processing or pyrolysis for the depolymerization of rigid polyurethane, so as to obtain high-purity polyols. A critical aspect of these processes is their ability to manage the separation of contaminants and the safe removal or recovery of refrigerant gases, ensuring the quality of the recovered material for industrial reuse.
Optimization of segregation and mechanical treatment
Improvement of industrial processes and technologies for the segregation and mechanical treatment of polyurethane waste. The goal is to increase the material’s purity prior to chemical treatments, directly impacting the efficiency and profitability of recycling. This involves advancing in material separation and waste traceability.
Integration of new polyurethane waste streams
Incorporation of rigid polyurethane waste from complex sources, such as construction sector sandwich panels, into the recycling cycle. This requires the development of specific protocols and technologies for safe extraction and processing, ensuring proper management of any contaminant gases present before treatment.
This challenge addresses the sustainable management of sewage sludge, transforming it from a complex and bulky waste into a valuable resource.
The initiative seeks to develop technologies and strategies for its use as a renewable fuel in industrial processes, minimizing the need for costly thermal drying.
Additionally, it aims to promote the recovery of high-value elements, such as phosphorus, to support a circular economy and comply with environmental directives.
Work areas
Sludge treatment for use as fuel (with minimal or no drying)
Development of innovative technologies for the conditioning of sewage sludge to enable its direct use as fuel in industrial furnaces, reducing or eliminating the need for intensive thermal drying. The goal is to optimize the safety, stability and technical viability of sludge for direct energy recovery, drastically reducing operational costs and avoiding landfill disposal.
Phosphorus and other valuable elements recovery
Development of efficient processes for extracting phosphorus and other valuable metals present in sewage sludge or its by-products (e.g. biochar, ash) after thermal treatments. The aim is to reintegrate them into the value chain (e.g. fertilizer production), aligning with future European regulations that require phosphorus recovery and promote a circular economy.
Management strategies to reduce sludge landfilling
Identification and evaluation of technological and management alternatives to minimize the landfilling of sewage sludge. This includes exploring its use in composting, energy recovery and other industrial applications, considering the diversity of sludge types and compositions and regulatory requirements for reducing organic matter in landfills.
Technology
Challenges
Tech Solutions
All4Zero has selected 12 technological solutions related to decarbonization or circular economy.
Consult them!
Context
Renewable energy, hydrogen, and low-carbon footprint fuels will be key to advances in decarbonization. However, to be carbon-neutral, it won’t be enough to stop emitting CO2, rather, according to organisms such as the International Energy Agency (IEA), or UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe), it will also be necessary to capture the CO2 produced by human activity.
In this context, Carbon Capture, Use, and Storage technologies (CCUS) will play a prominent role and contribute to achieving the 1.5 degrees Celsius target: to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius this century.
Opportunity
Industry is transforming itself with the development and implementation of technological solutions that are less and less emissions-intensive. CCUS technologies, therefore, are a perfect complement that will allow us to reduce CO2 emissions in sectors such as electric and mobility, or in intensive industries with high energy use, such as steel, cement, etc. that generate CO2 in their processes, which is impossible to reduce with other decarbonization paths.
These technologies are able to capture CO2 before it is released into the atmosphere (in high-concentration sources) and even capture already-existing CO2 with Direct Air Capture (DAC). Furthermore, the CO2 captured can be used as raw material to produce synthetic fuels or construction materials.
What we are looking for
The level of development of CO2-capture technologies is still in its infancy and there are opportunities to improve efficiency in capture and scale processes, as well as extend its use as a raw material.
We are looking for technological solutions prepared to be integrated in industrial production processes that contribute to the total reduction of metric tons of CO2 emitted in any production process based on amines, pressure swing adsorption (PSA), calcium looping or membranes, that guarantee the total absorption of metric tons of CO2 emitted in any industrial production process, as well as carbon footprint and energy consumption (calorie and electric). We will also consider the potential to generate employment and new technological skills in industrial sectors.
Context
Water is a valuable and vital resource for all human activity. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), global demand for water will increase 50% by 2030 and the growth forecast in industry between 2017 and 2050 will be 400%. To meet this upcoming demand, it is necessary to promote solutions related to managing and re-utilizing this resource to limit freshwater consumption and designate it exclusively to human consumption or agriculture.
Opportunity
In the circular economy framework, regenerating and re-utilizing water in industry is an essential tool for reducing consumption and preserving such a valuable resource.
It is necessary to implement technologies to achieve greater efficiency in water consumption in all processes, reduce, and even eliminate freshwater consumption, as well as re-utilize water with regeneration processes using non-fresh water (treated and desalinated water). All of these solutions will help reduce the impact associated with any industrial activity processes.
What we are looking for
We are looking for solutions that decrease freshwater harvesting, which contributes to achieving the 2050 freshwater harvesting objective. Likewise, we will consider positive measures to reduce consumption in industrial processes, recovery of water resources, harvesting and water management solutions with mature/pre-commercial technologies, zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) technologies to concentrate waste, which facilitate maximum regeneration and minimal costs for evaporation/crystallization, as well as measures to reduce costs of conventional desalination (3-5 kwh/m3).
Context
Hydrogen has been used in industrial processes for decades. Right now, at a time when industry is experiencing unprecedented transformations, hydrogen will continue to be necessary. However, in this transition, renewable hydrogen is a disrupting factor, with an essential energy vector for decarbonizing industrial sectors such as mobility, iron and steel, and energy.
This renewable hydrogen can be used as a raw material in industry to generate heat or electricity, or for mobility. Likewise, it can be a solution for storing surplus renewable solar and wind energy.
Opportunity
Producing, installing, and making use of renewable hydrogen at a competitive price is a necessity for several industrial sectors, since its universal application would contribute to a substantial change toward a more sustainable future.
In this sense, developing efficient and effective electrolytic processes that can generate hydrogen at a competitive price, along with attainable installation and usage costs, will be key to accelerating the integration of these systems. To do so, it is necessary to implement technologies that aim to significantly improve the current low, medium, and high temperature commercial technologies.
What we are looking for
Optimizing hydrogen production, and ensuring its reliability and competitiveness, is key to decarbonizing industry. To do so, flexibility and adaptation to industrial processes regarding hydrogen use is required, reducing the need for temporary or mid-term storage, as well as validating new production alternatives for renewable hydrogen for later use as a reducing agent, fuel, raw material to develop synthetic fuels, or for other renewable hydrocarbons.
We are looking for technological solutions to develop advanced electrolytic processes in addition to options to facilitate secure hydrogen transport and storage.
Context
Use of CO2 as a raw material to produce sustainable construction materials, as well as renewable fuels, marks a crucial advancement toward decarbonization in different industrial sectors. This technology not only reduces dependence on natural or virgin raw materials, it also contributes significantly to reducing emissions. Likewise, it stands out for its capacity to “store” CO2 safely, thus avoiding any possible release into the atmosphere.
In addition to this application, CO2 can also be used for sustainable fuels in aviation, which is the only real and immediate solution to advance toward more sustainable aviation models.
Opportunity
Carbon mineralization is an alternative method that allows carbon dioxide to be used and stored for use in product synthesis, thus contributing to decarbonization. In other words, it facilitates the production of new materials that substitute the use of natural raw materials.
Furthermore, CO2 resulting from industrial processes, or even the CO2that is already present in the atmosphere, can be reduced with carbon-capture technologies (CCUS or DAC), which can be used as raw material to produce SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) and other renewable fuels, such as synthetic fuels or e-fuels.
What we are looking for
Developing this technology is vital to continue advancing toward decarbonization in mobility and construction. For this reason, we are looking for mineralization, or carbonatation technological solutions, or another that has not developed yet in molecules or mineralogical phases reactive to CO2-rich currents.
We also value technologies to develop SAF production from raw materials, such as urban and forest waste (advanced biofuel), as well as developing e-SAF (synthetic fuel), using captured CO2 and renewable hydrogen for its production.
Context
According to a report from the World Bank, 2.01 billion metric tons of urban waste are generated globally each year, and at least 33% is not treated. In other words, they end up being dumped in landfills, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
However, a large amount of this disposed waste has great potential, since it can be reintroduced in the production chain, and thus drive circularity.
Opportunity
Waste that ends up in landfills includes materials that could be valuable from an energy or material standpoint in other sectors if there were adequate separation and treatment of this waste.
Re-purposing this waste presents an opportunity to reduce its volume and consolidate the circular economy model. Industry needs to have access to alternative fuels and raw materials coming from waste that reduce the consumption of natural resources.
What we are looking for
We are looking for all kinds of gasification or pyrolysis technologies with a significant generation of syngas, especially those that include integrated post-treatment to maximize hydrogen and carbon monoxide content with a low concentration of CO2 and H2O in the gas current.
Do you have a technological solution related to decarbonization or the circular economy?
Send your proposals to retos@all4zero-hub.com.
Together we can make this a reality.
United
to grow
If decarbonization and the circular economy are your priority, you can join us.
If you also have a technological solution and want to implement it, write an email to retos@all4zero-hub.com.