New Peer-Reviewed Publication: Advancing Potassium Carbonate–Based CO₂ Capture
We are pleased to announce the publication of a new peer-reviewed study demonstrating the technical feasibility of potassium carbonate–based CO₂ capture as a robust alternative to conventional amine systems. Using detailed rate-based process modelling, the study achieves approximately 90% CO₂ removal across representative industrial flue gas streams, including cement production, biomass combustion, and biogas upgrading. […]
Crude Microalgae Extract for Increased CO2 Capture and Higher Biomass Production in Algal Cultivation Systems
Authors: Maja Berden-Zrimec, Domen Lazar, Domen Trontelj, Elli Maria Barampouti, Sofia Mai, Dimitrios Malamis, Robert Reinhardt This study demonstrates that crude microalgal extracts containing carbonic anhydrase (CA) can enhance inorganic carbon utilization in algal cultivation. CA-containing extracts prepared from Scenedesmus-dominated biomass were shown to increase specific growth rates of Chlorella sorokiniana by 21–82% in digestate-based […]
CRONUS 3rd newsletter is published
Our project’s 3rd newsletter is published. Download below: 3rd Newsletter
Enhanced Microbial Diversity Attained Under Short Retention and High Organic Loading Conditions Promotes High Volatile Fatty Acid Production Efficiency
Authors: Claudia Chao-Reyes, Rudolphus Antonius Timmers, Ahmed Mahdy, Silvia Greses, Cristina González-Fernández This study investigates how short hydraulic retention times and high organic loading rates influence microbial community dynamics and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. Operating at an HRT of 11 days and an organic loading rate of 4.4 g COD/L/d resulted in a VFA […]
Assessment of the Performance of Packing Materials in Trickle Bed Reactors for Efficient Biomethanation
Authors: Alexandros Chatzis, Maria Gaspari, Konstantinos N. Kontogiannopoulos, Davide Sanguineti, Guido Zampieri, Anastasios I. Zouboulis, Panagiotis G. Kougias This study evaluates the impact of different packing materials on the performance of trickle bed reactors used for biological CO2 methanation. Raschig Rings allowed a successful reduction in gas retention time at 25 min with >95% CH4 […]
Hydrogen Excess Drives Metabolic Reprogramming and Viral Dynamics in Syngas-Converting Microbiomes
Authors: Gabriele Ghiotto, Luca Francescato, Maria Agustina Biancalani, Laura Treu, Stefano Campanaro This study reveals that excess hydrogen triggers profound metabolic and viral remodeling in thermophilic anaerobic microbiomes used for syngas methanation. Transcriptional downregulation of methanogenesis genes in Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus, alongside upregulation of CRISPR-Cas defense systems, was observed. These findings shed light on microbial instability […]
Site visit to the Functional Prototype 1 in Lavrion, Greece
NTUA, ELGO-DIMITRA, UNIPD and NEVIS teams had the chance for an FP1 on-site visit during the LIFE CO2toCH4 monitoring project review meeting in Lavrion Technological and Cultural Park. It served as a great opportunity to showcase to the LIFE CINEA project Officer, Mr Urbaniak and the LIFE External Monitoring Expert Mrs Papageorgiou, as well to […]
Modelling Microbial and Metabolic Shifts in Trickle Bed Reactor Biomethanation at Decreasing Gas Retention Times
Authors: Davide Sanguineti, Alexandros Chatzis, Guido Zampieri, Maria Gaspari, Panagiotis G. Kougias, Stefano Campanaro, Laura Treu This study applies genome-resolved metagenomics combined with condition-specific metabolic models to follow a thermophilic trickle bed reactor during stepwise reductions in gas retention time. Abrupt shortening provoked a reproducible community transition where putative homoacetogenic bacteria displaced minor bacteria and […]
CRONUS Project Manager Konstantinos Passadis selected as Finalist for the EBA Inspiration Challenge 2025!
We are proud to announce that our project manager, Konstantinos Passadis, researcher at the National Technical University of Athens, has been selected as one of the finalists of the Inspiration Challenge 2025, taking place during the EBA Conference in Brussels on October 15th. About Konstantinos Passadis Konstantinos is a Chemical Engineer specializing in biorefineries and […]
Biorefinery-Based Energy Recovery from Algae: Comparative Evaluation of Liquid and Gaseous Biofuels
Authors: Panagiotis Fotios Chatzimaliakas, Dimitrios Malamis, Sofia Mai, Elli Maria Barampouti This research examines the generation of bioethanol and biomethane using freshly harvested and sedimented algal biomass through a biorefinery approach. Under optimized conditions of 0.3 M NaOH, 25 µL/g starch and 250 µL/g cellulose, ethanol concentrations reached up to 2.75 g/L. The integrated process […]
CRONUS at the 12th International Conference on Sustainable Waste Management in Cyprus
The CRONUS project took center stage at the 12th International Conference on Sustainable Waste Management, held in Paphos, Cyprus, from 25 to 28 June 2025. During a dedicated session focused entirely on the project, several key innovations and developments in carbon capture and utilization were presented by CRONUS partners. Prof. Malamis from Brunel University opened […]
Second FP2 – CoP in Thessaloniki
On June 2nd, ELGO-DIMITRA hosted its second Community of Practice meeting as part of the CRONUS HORIZON project. The event featured a variety of insightful presentations from both project partners and CoP members, leading to engaging and productive discussions. This year’s meeting closed with a tour to Functional Prototype 2, located at ELGO-DIMITRA’s premises in […]
A successful 2nd CoP Meeting in NTUA, Athens
2nd Community of Practice (CoP) Meeting on Carbon Dioxide Capture for Biofuel Production – Citizen and Stakeholder Engagement Location: National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) Library Professor Maria Loizidou and project coordinator Dr. Dimitris Malamis warmly welcomed participants to the second CRONUS Community of Practice meeting, held at the NTUA premises in Athens. The meeting successfully […]
2nd Community of Practice Meeting in Athens, Greece
June 13th 2025: Second CoP Meeting on Carbon Dioxide Capture for Biofuel Production – Citizen and Stakeholder Engagement – National Technical University of Athens The capture of carbon dioxide before it is released into the atmosphere and its subsequent utilization is a key goal in tackling climate change. The National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), […]
CRONUS is part of the 33rd EUBCE – European Biomass Conference & Exhibition
The Euro-Mediterranean Water Information System is currently representing CRONUS HORIZON at the EUBCE that is taking place in Valencia (Spain) from 9 to 12 June 2025. Come and visit CRONUS HORIZON at the exhibition area (📍Stand B1) of EU projects and learn about the latest innovations, results, and impacts of the Horizon-project in the field […]
Energy Recovery from Algal Biomass: Evaluating Sequential Bioethanol and Biomethane Production Pathways
Authors: P.F. Chatzimaliakas, S. Mai, D. Malamis, E.M. Barampouti This study evaluates an integrated approach for producing bioethanol and biomethane from microalgae, using a factorial design to assess the effects of processing variables and enzyme dosages while maximizing ethanol yield. The research also examines the potential of valorizing the residual biomass for biomethane generation via […]
2nd CRONUS Community of Practice meeting – FP2
2nd CRONUS Community of Practice meeting – FP2 Carbon Dioxide Capture & Biofuel Production – CRONUS Organized by: Hellenic Agricultural Organization – ELGO DIMITRA Join us for the 2nd Community of Practice meeting of the CRONUS project, focused on sustainable carbon dioxide capture and biofuel production. A great opportunity to exchange knowledge, explore innovative practices, […]
CRONUS at the “Climate Chance Europe Africa 2025 Summit” in Marseille, France
Our partner SEMIDE took part in the Climate Chance Europe Africa 2025 Summit on the theme “Adaptation: Taking action” held on 31 March and 1 April 2025 at the Palais du Pharo in Marseille to present the project CRONUS and its CCUS innovative technologies. CRONUS had the opportunity to be presented at the Pitch Corner to promote the visibility of the […]
CRONUS inventory database on biogenic gas production in the European biofuel sector
Exciting update! Our latest results from the CRONUS inventory database on biogenic gas production in the European biofuel sector are now available! Datasets generated and analysed during this study are available in the OpenAIRE Zenodo repository: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14651075.
CRONUS at Verde.tec 2025: Pioneering the Future of Biofuels and Carbon Capture
This week at Verde.tec 2025, 21 February 2025, the CRONUS Horizon Project took center stage at M.E.C. Paiania, showcasing groundbreaking innovations in sustainable biofuel production and biogenic effluent gas utilization. Experts and researchers presented techno-economically feasible solutions designed to accelerate Europe’s green transition and drive us closer to climate neutrality by 2050. During the event, […]
Enhancing Biogas Production and Methane Yields Through Microbial Electrolysis Cell-Assisted Anaerobic Digestion
Authors: Ruud Timmers, Enrique Pérez-Zapatero, Fernán Berride García, Miriam Barrazón Peña, Miguel Ángel Sánchez Gatón, Dolores Hidalgo This study investigates the integration of microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) with anaerobic digestion (AD) to enhance biogas production and energy recovery in waste treatment. The hybrid AD-MEC system demonstrated consistent improvements over conventional AD, with graphite felt electrodes […]
CRONUS included in a specially commissioned Projects Info Pack by REPowerEU
Amazing news! CRONUS is among 15 selected projects, included in a specially commissioned Projects Info Pack by REPowerEU, on innovative biomethane that are contributing to boosting its production and place in the EU energy market.
CRONUS 2nd Annual Meeting in Montpellier, France.
This Thursday and Friday, we had the pleasure of attending the 2nd Annual Meeting of the CRONUS Horizon Project at CIRAD’s premises in Montpellier. It was an incredible opportunity to bring together leading experts, researchers, and partners from across Europe to collaborate on innovative solutions for sustainable biofuel production and carbon capture technologies. Thank you […]
Article: From Microalgae to Biofuels: Investigating Valorization Pathways Towards Biorefinery Integration
We are pleased to inform you that the article “From Microalgae to Biofuels: Investigating Valorization Pathways Towards Biorefinery Integration” has been published in Processes as part of the Special Issue Progress on Biomass Processing and Conversion and is available online at the following links:
Harnessing the Influence of Pressure and Nutrients on Biological CO2 Methanation Using Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network—Genetic Algorithm Approaches
Authors: Alexandros Chatzis, Konstantinos N. Kontogiannopoulos, Nikolaos Dimitrakakis, Anastasios Zouboulis, Panagiotis G. Kougias This study investigates the combined effects of trace element concentrations (Fe(II), Ni(II), Co(II)) and applied pressure on biological CO2 methanation performance. The ANN-GA optimization indicated 97.9% methane production efficiency at 1.5 bar pressure and trace metal concentrations of 25.0 mg/L Fe(II), 0.20 […]
Biogenic CO2 Emissions in the EU Biofuel and Bioenergy Sector: Mapping Sources, Regional Trends, and Pathways for Capture and Utilisation
Authors: Diogenis Christianides, Dimitra Antonia Bagaki, Rudolphus Antonius Timmers, Maja Berden Zrimec, Anastasia Theodoropoulou, Irini Angelidaki, Panagiotis Kougias, Guido Zampieri, Najla Kamergi, Alfredo Napoli, Dimitris Malamis, Sofia Mai, Elli Maria Barampouti This study maps biogenic CO2 emissions from over 18,000 biofuel and bioenergy facilities across EU Member States, covering sectors including biogas, biomethane, bioethanol, syngas, […]
CRONUS 2nd newsletter is published
Our project’s 2nd newsletter is published. Download below: DOWNLOAD
Functional Prototype 1 installation has initiated in Athens
The ponds for algae cultivation just arrived at the Lavrion Technological Cultural Park to be assembled soon. The CRONUS Functional Prototype 1 installation has initiated.
1st CRONUS Community of Practice meeting in Thessaloniki, Greece
CRONUS first Community of Practice meeting took place at the promises of ELGO-DIMITRA in Thessaloniki, Greece. This event brought together a dynamic group of experts from the renewable energy sector in central Macedonia. Led by Dr. Panagiotis Kougias, Maria Avramidi, and Maria Gaspari, participants seized the opportunity to introduce the CRONUS project, delve into the […]
Advances in Spirulina Cultivation: Techniques, Challenges, and Applications
Authors: Maja Berden Zrimec, Eleonora Sforza, Leonardo Pattaro, Davide Carecci, Elena Ficara, Antonio Idà, Narcís Ferrer-Ledo, Stefano Canziani, Silvio Mangini, Borut Lazar, Sophia Papadaki, Giorgos Markou, Ioannis Tzovenis, Robert Reinhardt This chapter presents challenges and possible solutions to ensure high-grade Spirulina production, covering cultivation techniques from low-technology open systems to high-end closed photobioreactors. A bioprocess […]
1st Community of Practice meeting at the premises of NTUA, Athens
The 1st Community of Practice meeting took place at the premises of National Technical University of Athens. Giannis Michalopoulos, Chemical Engineer and member of ΜΕΣΟΓΕΙΟΣ A.E., Giorgos Plevrakis, CEO of Hellenic Environmental Center S.A. and Stavroula Kavouri, R&D Manager of Polyeco, presenting the conclusions of the 3 working teams formed to make the discussion more […]
CRONUS present at the International Verdetec Environmental Technologies Exhibition
Our project was presented at the International Verdetec Environmental Technologies Exhibition, in Athens Greece, by the UEST NTUA team.
A successful 1st CRONUS Annual Meeting in Barcelona!
st Annual Meeting took place on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th February 2024, at the UAB Campus, Barcelona, Spain. The Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona successfully hosted the event at its campus in Barcelona, at the premises of the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA) premises. The meeting agenda is available at: https://cronushorizon.eu/1st-cronus-annual-meeting-in-barcelona/ The meeting kicked-off with a welcome from Gonzalo [...]
1st CRONUS Annual Meeting in Barcelona
Our project’s 1st Annual Meeting is taking place on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th February 2024, in the UAB Campus, Barcelona, Spain. You can download the agenda HERE.
EUBCE Field Trip 2023 Finnish Bio-Innovation
Dr. Sofia Mai presented our project in the Introductory workshop of the EUBCE Field Trip 2023 Finnish Bio-Innovation, 1-7 October 2023, Finland. The field trip was organised by EUBCE - European Biomass Conference & Exhibition and attracted the participation of 15 representatives from european academic, pioneer energy industries and policy makers and consultants who had the chance to experience first-hand [...]
CRONUS meets 21 other HORIZON – H2020 projects
22 HORIZON and H2020 projects, concerning biofuels and biomethane, came together to set up collaboration, gather lessons learnt & create synergies. Dimitris Malamis represented the CRONUS HORIZON project at the cluster meeting organised by CINEA (European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency).
Site visit of the Greek Green Fund and Estonian stakeholders to our pilot in Lavrio
Members of the National Technical University of Athens team organized a site visit to the LIFE CircforBio biorefinery unit on September 20th, which included the participation of the Greek Green Fund and of Estonian stakeholders from the Ministry of Climate, the Environmental Investment Centre, the Estonian Environment Agency and their Environmental Board.
Unraveling Prevalence of Homoacetogenesis and Methanogenesis Pathways Due to Inhibitors Addition
Authors: Rebecca Serna-García, Panagiotis Tsapekos, Laura Treu, Alberto Bouzas, Aurora Seco, Stefano Campanaro, Irini Angelidaki This study evaluates three inhibitors — sodium ionophore III (ETH2120), carbon monoxide (CO), and sodium 2-bromoethanesulfonate (BES) — for their effects on CO2 biomethanation microbiomes. Methane was produced via methylotrophic methanogenesis only when adding ETH2120 or CO, but not BES, […]
CRONUS project kick-off meeting
The CRONUS project kick-off meeting took place in Athens, Greece on Monday, December 12th. The National Technical University of Athens hosted the meeting in their premises and led the conversation.
