The POSEIDON Project recently convened its third consortium meeting in Thessaloniki. This two-day event was filled with insightful discussions, technical presentations, and collaborative workshops, all designed to advance the project’s ambitious goals. Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the project’s progress, challenges, and future steps. Here are the key highlights from the first day:
The agenda for the first day was packed with presentations on key project activities by work package and task leaders:
- Value Chain Tasks: The first technical presentation, overseen by lead partner EIFER – European Institute for Energy Research, focused on value chain related tasks. This included a study on the decarbonization of the shipping sector led by RINA.
- Community of Practice Events: Fundación Valenciaport and ThPA S.A. – Port of Thessaloniki provided updates on the latest community of practice events in Spain and Greece.
- Technology Database Development: Discussions on the development of a technology database essential for impact assessment studies, involving all partners.
- Technical innovations: CERTH, the organizer of the POSEIDON meeting, presented preliminary results of the first membrane tests aimed at separating CO2 from other gases using methanol.
- Engineering Progress: Partners ICODOS and EDF provided updates on ongoing engineering studies to construct the e-methanol pilot plant and adapt the test platform, respectively.
- Techno-economic ans social assesments: Details studies to be performed by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) and RINA, with support from all POSEIDON partners.
The day concluded with a site visit to the CaO Hellas Group lime plant. This visit was instrumental in understanding the production process and associated emissions, which are critical for defining future scenarios for Thessaloniki and Valencia. The data and explanations provided by CaO Hellas Group will help fine-tune these scenarios and better conceptualize the future implementation of the value chain in a real environment.
The second day was packed with engaging sessions, including the General Assembly (GA) and Advisory Board (AB) meetings, as well as several focused workshops. During the GA meeting, partners discussed the involvement of potential new members for the AB, to ensure that stakeholders from all stages of the value chain guide the project. The AB meeting featured presentations from new partners, Boluda Corporación Marítima and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), highlighting their plans and challenges in the transition to methanol as a marine fuel.
In the workshops, we delved into various aspects of our project, such as tool development, scenario planning and designs of the plant and test platform. Discussions focused on the methodological approach to be followed and the cases to be considered. Follow-up meetings will be soon held to continue the work started during the workshops.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our project partners, CERTH and CaO Hellas Group, for their exceptional contributions and support during the consortium meeting in Thessaloniki. Your dedication and expertise are instrumental to the ongoing success of the POSEIDON Project.
