We are excited to share an interview with María Balaguer, a researcher at Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) at the Institute of Chemical Technology (Polytechnic University of Valencia) and the project lead at her center. CSIC-UPV is a proud partner of the SOMMER project, a four-year initiative focused on developing renewable fuel production using concentrated solar energy.
What is SOMMER all about?
The SOMMER project is centered on the development of advanced ceramic membrane reactors capable of operating at 1500 °C. These innovative reactors use solar energy to drive thermochemical reactions that split H₂O and CO₂, producing syngas — a crucial precursor for high-value chemicals and sustainable fuels.
María Balaguer explains, “Concentrated solar energy is a key technology in the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy economy.”
The project highlights the versatility of solar-powered processes, which have the potential to produce hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and other green chemicals — all while being carbon-neutral by using water or recycling CO₂ that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.
What is the ultimate goal of SOMMER?
The goal of the SOMMER project is to establish a carbon-neutral process for producing syngas through the use of innovative catalytic reactors made from ceramic membranes. These membranes are designed to extract oxygen from CO₂ and H₂O molecules, ensuring maximum efficiency and sustainability.
A Collaborative Effort for Clean Energy
We are proud to collaborate with leading research centers and industry experts to push the boundaries of clean energy technology in Europe. Stay tuned as we continue to advance sustainable energy solutions through cutting-edge research and innovation. Curious about the potential of concentrated solar energy and its role in renewable fuel production? Read the full interview with María Balaguer in Spanish here.