GEA and Creavis, Evonik's strategic research unit and business incubator, have agreed to a research and development collaboration in the field of carbon capture. The aim of the cooperation is to further develop the expertise of both companies in the field of CO₂ separation from flue gases. As part of the cooperation, a new type of process concept is being investigated, which opens up considerable energy-saving opportunities compared to the state of the art. The novel process requires the use of gas separation technologies specially adapted to its functional principle. Following successful tests on a laboratory and pilot plant scale, GEA plans to pilot the process and thus test it under application-relevant conditions.
Discussing details of the research collaboration at the Carbon Capture Technology & Expo in Hamburg in October 2024: Dr. Dirk Poppe (Head of Innovation Domain Carbon Capture and Utilization | Creavis), Julia Keller (GEA, Senior Director Carbon Capture Solutions), Dr.-Ing. Nayra Sofia Romero Cuellar (Project Manager Carbon Capture and Utilization | Creavis), Jennifer Materlik (Senior Project Manager Carbon Capture and Utilization | Creavis) and Dr. Felix Ortloff (GEA, Senior Director Carbon Capture). (Photo: GEA)
GEA and Evonik combine their expertise in process development and specialty chemicals for innovative carbon capture solution
The carbon capture process is a key element of the energy transition. Carbon capture is of great importance, particularly in industrial sectors with process-based CO₂ emissions, such as the cement and lime industries and the waste incineration sector. GEA's carbon dioxide capture and storage plants enable the efficient capture of CO₂ from process-related emissions. This prevents its release into the atmosphere and allows the CO₂ to be used for the production of valuable products or for long-term storage in underground reservoirs (sequestration).
As a leading specialty chemicals company, Evonik supports suppliers of gas purification technologies with a broad product portfolio. It offers and develops solutions for adsorption, absorption and membrane processes, making it the ideal partner for the development of innovative concepts.
Dr. Michael Golek
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About GEA
GEA is one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and components to the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
The international technology group, founded in 1881, focuses on machinery and plants, as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. For instance, every second pharma separator for essential healthcare products such as vaccines or novel biopharmaceuticals is produced by GEA. In food, every fourth package of pasta or every third chicken nugget are processed with GEA technology.
With more than 18,000 employees, the group generated sales of about EUR 5.5 billion in more than 150 countries in the 2025 fiscal year. GEA plants, processes, components and services enhance the efficiency and sustainability of customers’ production. They contribute significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions, plastic usage and food waste. In doing so, GEA makes a key contribution toward a sustainable future, in line with the company’s purpose: ”Engineering for a better world.”
GEA is listed on the German DAX, the European STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is also a constituent of the leading sustainability indices DAX 50 ESG, MSCI Global Sustainability and Dow Jones Best-in-Class World.
