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THUNDER launches: a one-pot tandem process for next-generation e-methanol
The new Horizon Europe project, coordinated by Eurecat, unites seven partners to combine CO₂ capture, co-electrolysis and methanol synthesis in a single system — with ICODOS leading process engineering and developing a CRM-free purification unit.
Mannheim, 21 October 2025 — A new European research project has started work on the next generation of e-methanol production: THUNDER ("Innovation in e-MeOH Production by One-Pot Tandem Process"), funded under Horizon Europe with about €4 million (Grant Agreement No. 101235287), launched on 1 October 2025 and will run for four years.
Three reactions, one system
Coordinated by Fundació Eurecat (Spain), THUNDER develops a modular, integrated solution that combines three key steps in a single optimised system: the capture of CO₂ and water vapour, co-electrolysis to generate carbon monoxide and green hydrogen, and hydrogenation to synthesise e-methanol. At the technological core are multifunctional membranes for CO₂ capture, advanced electrocatalysts, thermochemical catalysts for methanol synthesis, and 3D-printed reactors made from recycled titanium.
Against today's benchmark technologies, the project targets substantially lower cost and emissions — with the technology advancing from TRL 3 to TRL 4 under real and simulated flue-gas conditions, and the produced e-methanol validated in fuel-cell systems.
ICODOS' role: purification and process engineering
ICODOS contributes in two areas. First, it develops and tests a low-energy, critical-raw-material-free (CRM-free) membrane unit to separate methanol from water — targeting IMPCA AA-spec e-methanol purity (≥99.8%). Second, ICODOS leads the project's process engineering: techno-economic assessment, feasibility and process simulation, benchmarking THUNDER e-methanol against conventional methanol routes, and pre-basic engineering of the integrated plant concept.
The consortium
The consortium unites scientific and industrial expertise across Europe: Fundació Eurecat (coordinator), Politecnico di Torino, CNRS, JORCAR, Methanol Reformer, nova-Institut and ICODOS. The project is funded by the European Union.