HECO2: 26 Walloon industrial players boost innovation in circular economy and energy transition.

HECO2 is a strategic program aimed at boosting innovation in the circular economy and energy transition within Wallonia, supported by a significant investment of €113 million. This funding supports key projects aligned with the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), focusing on reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainable industrial practices. The program brings together a consortium of 26 major Walloon industrial players, who will develop low-carbon hydrogen production, hybrid plasma processes, carbon capture, and other green technologies.

The objective of HECO2 is to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 1,100 kt CO2/year in Wallonia and 5,000 kt CO2/year in Europe. The program is expected to create nearly 2,500 direct and indirect sustainable jobs. Projects under this initiative include:

- Axis 1: Low-Emission Industry - Electrification
Focuses on electrifying major industrial processes, improving product durability, and integrating life-cycle analysis.

- Axis 2: Low-Carbon Hydrogen Production via Electrolysis
Involves developing environmentally friendly diaphragms and electrodes for more efficient hydrogen production.

- Axis 3: Hybrid Plasmolysis
Aiming to produce hydrogen from methane using atmospheric plasma technology, with the goal of achieving stable production by 2025.

- Axis 4: Butterfly - Developing a Lime Kiln Compatible with CCUS
Involves constructing a prototype for CO2 purification and life cycle analysis of carbon capture solutions.

- Axis 5: Saturn - CO2 Capture and Concentration Post-Combustion
A mobile carbon capture pilot will test cryogenic technology for CO2 capture, with significant industry collaboration to implement it on a large scale.

The program is supported by the Pôle MecaTech and GreenWin, and it reflects Wallonia's ambition to remain a leader in sustainable industrial innovation, fostering technological and environmental progress across Europe.