In many industrial processes, technically unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions occur, particularly CO₂ emissions. Examples include lime and cement production, iron and steel manufacturing, especially processes with a high recycling content, thermal waste treatment, processes in the chemical industry, as well as glass and ceramics production. Many of these processes are at the beginning of essential value chains that shape the economy, particularly in Germany and Europe, and form the foundation of its strength and resilience.

Industrial Carbon Management encompasses all measures necessary to prevent climate-damaging emissions in the industries and processes mentioned above. This includes the capture of CO₂ from exhaust gases, its transport and long-term storage, methods for permanent CO₂ fixation, and its material utilization. Within the scope of our research at KIT, we focus on all these steps and, in particular, seek innovative solutions where CO₂ utilization can create economic value while ensuring long-term storage.

Equally important is our contribution to energy-efficient solutions across the entire process chain, in order to make CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) and CCU (Carbon Capture and Utilization) processes, which are already being industrially tested, more economical. Against this background, we work closely with colleagues from the KIT Energy Center. Beyond that, the topic is highly interdisciplinary. It is precisely this breadth of expertise and perspectives that distinguishes KIT’s research in industrial carbon management.