Sisyphus team reaches important milestone: A team of researchers from the Chair of Physical Chemistry at Montanuniversität Leoben has developed a groundbreaking technology that has the potential to revolutionize CO₂ conversion. The so-called reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) technology creates a process for the energy-efficient conversion of carbon dioxide into valuable products. The core technology, which was developed as part of ERC grants, is based on a new type of catalyst and an innovative reactor concept. These make it possible to efficiently recycle CO₂ and convert it into synthesis gas – an essential building block for the production of affordable green chemicals and sustainable aviation fuels.

Success in the Greenstart program

Over the past 1.5 years, researchers Dr. Tom Cotter, Dipl.-Ing. Lorenz Lindenthal and Prof. Dr. Christoph Rameshan have been working intensively on the commercialization of the RWGS technology as part of an FFG Spin-Off Fellowship. Together with the Chair of Process Engineering for Industrial Environmental Protection under Prof. Dr. Markus Lehner, the technology was successfully validated – a decisive step towards the first pilot plant. The foundation of a university spin-off is planned for 2025, accompanied by the search for a venture capital investor. The aim is to realize the first Sisyphus pilot plant. These efforts are supported by the network of the Center for Applied Technology (ZAT).

Another milestone was reached with the inclusion in the Greenstart program of the Climate and Energy Fund. The Sisyphus team is one of the top 10 in the programme and receives professional support to further advance the commercialization of the RWGS technology. The competition for the top 3 places will take place in the fall – an exciting step on the way to market maturity.

[Source: Montanuniversität Leoben, News, 15.05.2025]