ACTNXT
To reach its climate neutrality goals Europe needs to rely heavily on Power-to-X (PtX) technology to replace the many applications of fossil fuels that are not easily electrified.
Many PtX technologies are however still immature or not ready for deployments yet, highlighting the need for a sustained R&D effort in the field. Neutron- and synchrotron sources can play a crucial role in this effort. However, lack of key instrumentation is limiting the current possibilities.
ACTNXT will upgrade the instrumentation at current neutron- and synchrotron sources to enable it to provide crucial knowledge within PtX areas such as efficiency, safety, price, raw material consumption, and durability. This will be done by developing instrumentation for:
- Operando measurements of processes and flow inside PtX components
- Materials behaviour under hydrogen exposure
- Reliable and high throughput investigation novel materials
- Operando measurements hazardous chemical reactions
The new instrumentation will be designed for broad adaptation as upgrades for many existing research instruments across Europe. Prototypes of all 4 instrumentation types will be constructed at leading research infrastructures and their capabilities tested and demonstrated. This is supplemented by a common knowledge platform addressing common challenges such as safety and planning of complicated experiments.
During the project the consortium will have a very strong dialogue with the user communities to ensure that the developed instrumentation matches its needs and that it is ready to take full advantage of the instrumentation also after the end of the project. In doing so ACTNXT aims to give the European green industry a huge boost and ensure that it captures a major part of an emerging trillion Euro PtX market.
The role of the Danish Technological Institute
The Danish Technological Institute is the coordinator of the project and is involved in all project work packages. The main effort is focused on:
- Investigation of materials under hydrogen exposure where we develop an advanced setup for operando studies using neutrons as a probe. The method will enable better understanding of failure mechanics and development of safe solution for the future PtX industry and gas transport infrastructure.
- Development of a common knowledge platform, collecting the possibilities for PtX research at different facilities as well as development of common tools such as IT- and safety-tools.
- Carrying out demonstration experiments together with industry to showcase the new possibilities of the developed instrumentation.
- Communication and dissemination of project results.
Facts about the project
Timeframe: March 1st 2025 – February 28th 2029
Budget: EUR 9,2 million + CHF 2 million
Supported by: Horizon Europe
Partners: The ACTNXT consortium is coordinated by the Danish Technological Institute’s (DTI) and centered around leading neutron and synchrotron facilities (PSI, ESRF, CERIC, ILL). These partners provide the backbone for developing and commissioning advanced instrumentation dedicated to PtX technologies. University partners (UCPH, TU Darmstadt) offer key supplementary knowledge in digital modeling and materials science. RTOs (DTI, CEA, TNO, EMPA) contribute with an extensive experience in PtX research, development and industrial collaboration. Industrial partners, including both SMEs and major companies, supply end-user perspectives and critical test samples. This integrated approach ensures that new instrumentation is robustly developed and broadly adopted.
See more: actnxt.eu