The transition to a low-emission energy model will require the application of multiple technological solutions, including CO2 capture and utilization (CCU). Its deployment will be key to achieving zero emissions targets by 2050, as it enables the reduction of existing emissions and enables net emissions removal routes from the atmosphere.

To be neutral in our carbon intensity, it will not be enough to stop emitting CO2, but we will need technology capable of capturing and reusing it, which will help us to be more efficient, to find new ways of generating and consuming energy and to create new products from waste, such as biofuels (from biological waste) or synthetic fuels (from captured CO2 and renewable hydrogen).

Repsol has set a demanding roadmap with milestones over the next few years to become a zero net emissions company by 2050. The early identification of technologies and their maturation and scaling will allow us to move forward more quickly. According to our latest estimate, up to 90% of the company’s decarbonization is technology-based.

Galp is reshaping its energy portfolio and developing sustainable solutions that can improve people’s lives. We commit to reduce the CO2 intensity of our operations by 40% by the end of the decade and to be carbon neutral by 2050. To do so, we value innovation to recognize that carbon capture and utilization will be key to achieve these ambitious goals.

Repsol and Galp are two global energy leaders, dedicated to enabling the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy and achieving global decarbonization targets. In the race for the Paris agreements, Repsol and Galp are partnering to develop and scale CO2 utilization as well as carbon removal technologies.

Now, both companies join forces to launch this technological challenge that will position the city of Sines (Portugal), as one of the industrial poles with the greatest commitment and projection in the field of carbon management technologies.

Repsol and Galp are calling on entrepreneurs, startup businesses as well as research and innovation centres that can offer innovative solutions for:

CCU (Carbon Capture and Utilisation) technologies

• New catalytic routes for CO2 conversion into chemicals 
• CO2 mineralization
• Combining CO2 and H2 utilisation 
• Innovative products from CO2 (proteins, e-fuels, etc.)

CDR (Carbon Dioxide Removal) technologies

• Improving Direct Air Capture 
• Blue carbon technologies (ocean capture)
• Biomass utilisation and soil sequestration (BECCS, biochar, etc.)

• Applications from startups, SMEs, university projects and innovation centres are accepted
• At least TRL 3-4 (Experimental Proof-of-Concept)

Applicants selected will have the opportunity to get tailored prizes and will be in the best position to start a collaboration with Repsol and/or Galp: 

50,000€ for the winning team

Research funding through grants and sponsorship will also be available for universities and researchers

And opportunities for:

• PoC funding
• Industrial strategic support
• Connection to a global business network 

• AMA session with Repsol & Galp team early October – Register here
• Applications close on November 11th
• The jury selects the most promising projects by November 25th
• Winners announced at a dedicated event with corporate stakeholders early December

Galp is an international player in the energy and mobility sectors, focused on developing sustainable solutions to improve people’s lives. Galp has set ambitious decarbonization goals and is committed to reduce the CO2 intensity of its operations by 40% by the end of this decade, and to being carbon neutral by 2050.

Thus, Galp is actively reshaping its energy portfolio and intends to lead the industry by allocating half of its capital investment to new energy solutions. To achieve such ambitious goals, the only way to truly transform the business and lead the energy transition is to open the door to new technologies. As such, Galp partners with startups from all over the world, top universities, and R&D labs such as Net4Co2, HyLab, Water CoRe, and BIORef to innovate and re-invent the energy sector, always focusing on creating win-win scenarios for both parties. By the end of 2025, Galp’s open innovation platform (Galp Upcoming Energies) aims to invest about 180 million euros in innovation projects.

Galp is already expanding its renewable portfolio, being one of the main solar players in Iberia, and is currently developing a Green Hydrogen production hub in Sines. In addition, it is also betting on strategic partnerships such as the Joint Venture Aurora with Northvolt for lithium refining. It is time for Galp to regenerate the future. 

Contact Lucas Maurice at lucas.maurice@hello-tomorrow.org for more info.