Fossil-Free Chemistry of Tomorrow
PtX Lab Study | 03/2025 | Topic: Sustainable Chemistry | 34 Pages
The chemical industry is responsible for a considerable share of global greenhouse gas emissions, estimated at up to 7.5 per cent. As the third-largest industry within the industrial sector, it holds a pivotal position in the transition towards a climate-neutral and resource-efficient economy.
The authors of the study Eight Guiding Principles for Sustainable Chemical Production and the Importance of Power-to-X Technologies outline how the chemical industry can support systemic change.
Bibliographic data
- Publication: Fossil-Free Chemistry of Tomorrow — Eight Guiding Principles for Sustainable Chemical Production and the Importance of Power-to-X Technologies
- Publication date: March 2025
- Publisher: PtX Lab Lausitz – Think and Do Tank for Fuels and Basic Materials from Green Hydrogen, Calauer Straße 70, 03048 Cottbus
- Authors: Dr Irina Akhmetova, Nils Fuchs, Lukas Horndasch, Dr Johannes Israel, Sven Kühnel, Dr Sarah Bernhardt, Anita Demuth, Dr Harry Lehmann
- Suggested citation: PtX Lab Lausitz (2025): Fossil-Free Chemistry of Tomorrow — Eight Guiding Principles for Sustainable Chemical Production and the Importance of Power-to-X Technologies
The EU has already regulated recycling and biomass. Now PtX chemicals must also receive clear political support. Our guiding principles show policymakers and industry the way to sustainable PtX chemicals.
About the PtX Lab Study
The PtX Lab Study Fossil-Free Chemistry of Tomorrow — Eight Guiding Principles for Sustainable Chemical Production and the Importance of Power-to-X Technologies was developed by the PtX Lab working group ‘Chemical Industry’. The central focus of the working group concerns the implementation of closed carbon cycles and the systematic substitution of fossil-based raw materials with renewable feedstocks.
The 141-page publication was produced under the leadership of Dr Irina Akhmetova and Lukas Horndasch, the speakers of the PtX Lab working group, and Dr Sarah Bernhardt, provisional deputy head of PtX Lab Lausitz.
Copyright: PtX Lab Lausitz / Dr Irina Akhmetova
Eight guiding principles: Shaping the role of PtX in chemistry
The authors propose eight guiding principles for meaningfully integrating PtX chemicals into the mix of sustainable chemistry. These principles serve as guidance for the design of policy instruments to promote sustainable PtX chemicals
A sustainable and rapid market ramp-up of PtX chemicals requires a targeted and balanced policy mix of measures such as
- the development and regulation of necessary infrastructure for electricity, hydrogen and CO2,
- the mobilisation of financial resources, and
- coordinated import and raw material strategies.
In addition, sustainability criteria should be developed and implemented that take into account not only greenhouse gas neutrality but also impacts on sustainability goals and planetary boundaries.
Contact
Dr.
Sarah Bernhardt
Head of Section PtX Basic Materials
+49 173 56 150 72
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