The CO2-neutral future as a common goal
Tanja Zimmermann and Martin Ackermann, Directors of Empa and Eawag, are researching ambitious projects to find solutions to the climate crisis. At the centre of their efforts is the vision of extracting CO2 from the atmosphere and converting it into valuable materials in order to counteract climate change. This project presents the two research institutions with complex challenges.
The collaboration between Zimmermann and Ackermann aims to explore innovative ways of utilising the atmosphere as a resource. Empa and Eawag are working together to develop technologies that effectively bind CO2 and thus contribute to decarbonisation. Despite the high expectations and pressure to deliver solutions, both recognise an urgent need to act and are optimistic that they can make a significant contribution.
Research and cooperation as the key to success
The research institutions rely not only on their internal expertise, but also on cooperation within the entire ETH Domain and with international partners. The aim is to develop practicable solutions to the climate crisis by pooling knowledge and resources. Eawag, which specialises in water research, and Empa, which focuses on materials science, complement each other perfectly in their efforts to promote both climate adaptation and climate protection.
Future-oriented projects and technologies
From the development of negative emission technologies to the exploitation of new energy sources from CO2, researchers are working on projects that will enable a long-term change towards a sustainable society. The initiatives include both the improvement of existing technologies and research into innovative approaches to reducing CO2 from the atmosphere.
The various “pillars” of the concept are currently being developed, such as the extraction of CO2, its chemical conversion and, finally, technologies to produce value-adding materials in which the carbon is bound in the long term. The first projects for negative emission technologies are already under development at Empa, such as insulation materials made from biochar and types of cement that absorb CO2 during the setting process instead of releasing it. Further initiatives are to be launched next year. Ms Zimmermann herself would like to launch a wood topic based on her research background. Initial discussions between various stakeholders have begun.
Funding and support for the research initiatives
Funding for the ambitious projects is secured from various sources, including grants and contributions from the participating institutions. The aim is to use the research work to support not only Switzerland but also the global community in the fight against climate change.
Switzerland as a pioneer in climate protection
Thanks to its favourable framework conditions, Switzerland continues to be an international leader. It is ideally positioned to develop technologies and concepts and to apply and market them internationally. This increases the competitiveness of Swiss industry and makes a valuable contribution to global climate protection.
You can find the full interview at this link. https://www.empa.ch/web/s604/mining-the-atmosphere-interview-tanja-zimmermann-martin-ackermann