Plasma technology: for a future-proof chemical industry
The European chemical industry faces a fundamental challenge. Companies must reduce emissions and decrease their dependence on fossil feedstocks, while Europe seeks to retain key value chains, knowledge, production capacity and innovation strength.
A future-proof industry requires new solutions
New production routes can play an important role in addressing this challenge. Plasma technology offers opportunities to use electricity directly in chemical processes and to develop new routes for producing chemical building blocks and fuels. As such, plasma is one of the promising technologies that could contribute to a future-proof European chemical industry.
What is plasma technology?
Plasma is an ionised gas produced by adding electrical energy to a gas. This produces a high temperature and highly reactive environment in which chemical reactions can take place.
Because plasma processes use electricity directly and can respond quickly to fluctuations in energy supply, they are being explored for a wide range of applications in the chemical industry.
New routes for chemical production
Researchers are exploring several applications of plasma technology. These include the conversion of CO₂ into chemical building blocks (syngas), the production of hydrogen, and valuable hydrocarbons, and fixation of nitrogen to produce fertilizers or specialized plastics (e.g. polyacrylonitrile). Within the PlasmaLab at the Chemelot Campus in Geleen, laboratory-scale tests have been carried out to convert methane into hydrogen, acetylene and ethylene, with the first tests at 50 kW scale already underway.
Whether these applications can ultimately be deployed at industrial scale will depend on further technological development, improvements in process efficiency and economic viability. These developments will be put to the test in the 500 kW pilot plant that will be developed and operated over the next few years by the recent spin-out company Thoriant.
Why is plasma technology relevant?
Chemical companies are seeking ways to reduce emissions and dependence on fossil feedstocks without compromising their position in global value chains. For specific applications, plasma technology could offer new electricity-driven production routes.
Its potential value depends on factors such as the product being produced, the feedstock used, process efficiency and the availability of low-carbon electricity. As a result, each application must be assessed individually to determine where plasma technology can provide a genuine advantage over alternative production routes.
The industrial transition requires smarter connections between energy, feedstocks and production. Plasma can use electricity directly for chemical conversion, making it part of the broader electrification of the chemical and process industries.
However, its deployment must be considered alongside energy infrastructure, feedstock availability, existing industrial assets and end-market demand.
Plasma technology is proven technology, that can be optimized further by developing the process using modern computer models and experimental techniques. Nevertheless, many plasma-based routes are currently still at the research, pilot or demonstration stage. Further development is needed in areas such as process efficiency, reactor design, scalability and industrial integration.
This creates opportunities for collaboration between industry, technology developers and research organisations. Together, they can validate promising applications, reduce risks and identify pathways towards commercial deployment.
From research to application
Many plasma applications are still in the research, pilot or demonstration phase. Efforts are focused on improving efficiency, reactor design, scalability and industrial integration.
The goal is to identify where plasma can deliver genuine added value for the chemical industry and contribute to future industrial developments.
TNO is working on the industry of the future
TNO works with companies and knowledge partners to explore which plasma applications can contribute to a future-proof European chemical industry.
By combining technology development, experimental research and systems analysis, we help partners assess where plasma technology is technically, economically and industrially viable.
Research and practical examples
Plasma technology is evolving rapidly. On this page, we share research findings, projects, practical examples and future demonstrations as the field develops.
Featured research
This study explores the development and scale-up of plasma technology for decarbonising the chemical industry.
Exploring promising applications together
Would you like to explore where plasma technology could create value within your process, project or value chain? TNO works with companies and knowledge partners on the development, validation and scale-up of promising applications.
Contact us
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Ties van Maaren
Functie:Senior Business Developer Hydrogen/ Solid Oxide ElectrolysisTies is a passionate Senior Business Developer at TNO, Energy and Material Transition, with a focus on hydrogen and Power to X technologies over the full supply chain, and the Solid Oxide Electrolyser technology in specific. He supports industrial players in validating their technologies to enable them to scale-up and integrate into the industry. His background is predominately in the field of marketing, chemical engineering and he has a long professional experience in the industry at multinationals and SME.
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Standplaats:Geleen - Brightlands Materials Center
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Email:Email Ties
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LinkedIn:Ties on LinkedIn
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