TNO and A*STAR ISCE2 to pioneer with an electrified CO₂‑to‑EO pathway

Industrial relevance and emissions impact

Ethylene and EO underpin global production of surfactants, polymers, textiles, packaging materials and sterilant, yet conventional routes are highly carbon‑intensive. By exploring an electrified pathway powered by renewable electricity, the collaboration aims to materially reduce lifecycle greenhouse‑gas emissions while strengthening long‑term resilience across chemicals value chains.

Programme scope and partner roles

The programme combines TNO’s capabilities in scaling and integrating electrochemical CO₂‑to‑ethylene conversion with A*STAR ISCE2’s catalyst innovation and process expertise for the ethylene‑to‑EO step. Together, the partners intend to demonstrate a two‑step tandem pathway — CO₂ → C₂H₄ via electrolysis, followed by C₂H₄ → EO via catalytic oxidation — under conditions relevant to future industrial deployment.

'Both TNO and A*STAR ISCE2 have strong expertise in electrochemical technologies. We are excited about this international collaboration to scale low‑emissions technologies that can help defossilise the chemical industry,' said Richard Braal, Division Director Industry, Energy & Materials Transition Unit, TNO.

Workplan, facilities and milestones

Over the coming months, the institutes will run coordinated experimental campaigns, cross‑laboratory validation and joint knowledge exchange. Activities will leverage TNO’s labs in Rijswijk and its scaling up facilities, and A*STAR ISCE2’s advanced catalysis and process‑development facilities in Singapore for EO‑relevant testing and integration.

This initial phase forms part of a multi‑year roadmap to progress from laboratory validation towards integrated demonstrations and, ultimately, renewable routes for essential chemical building blocks.

'By bringing together our complementary expertise in electrochemical CO₂ conversion and catalytic oxidation, we can examine new process possibilities for renewable EO,' said Professor Reginald Tan, Executive Director (Covering), A*STAR ISCE2.

'As the industry explores lower‑emissions manufacturing pathways, this collaboration will generate insights into process integration and performance. These can help de-risk scale-up and support the development of a viable lower-emissions route for manufacturers responding to evolving market and regulatory requirements.'

Both organisations view the collaboration as an important opportunity to accelerate innovation towards a climate‑resilient chemical industry and to deepen applied research in electrochemical and catalytic process development.

About A*STAR

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society.

As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability.

A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR’s R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis.