As part of the METHAREN project, we interviewed Ms. Geneviève Geffraye, leader of work package 3, and Researcher and Head of Projects at CEA LITEN.
Background
Q.: Could you share your professional journey up to the METHAREN project?
Ms. Geneviève Geffraye: As CEA LITEN Researcher and Head of Projects, I am in charge of modelling, design and experimentation of structured catalytic exchanger-reactor dedicated to carbon oxide hydrogenation at CEA-LITEN towards molecules for energy and chemistry such as methane, methanol, hydrocarbons. Additionally, I am the project leader for CEA to several European Horizon projects relative to Carbon Capture and Conversion and to Power to X processes (Store&Go, Heat to Fuel, METHAREN). Eventually, I am very active in national and international working groups and committees in the field. As a reminder, CEA is a Research and Technology organisation, with LITEN as one of its institute working on New Energy Technologies.
Role in the project
Q.: Could you share the main aims of the work you are leading in METHAREN?
Ms. Geneviève Geffraye: In METHAREN, I am leading the third work package (WP), i.e. WP3 – Development of the methanation plant. The objective of WP3 is to develop and provide the detailed design of the methanation plant to be implemented on ACEA’s site (the demonstration site). It includes bioCO2 and syngas purification, methanation reactor, separation unit and recycling loop.
Progress and Challenges
Q.: What is the progress achieved so far for WP3?
Ms. Geneviève Geffraye: WP3 has just been successfully completed; the detailed specifications for the whole methanation unit are delivered!
Q.: Have you encountered any challenges along the way?
Ms. Geneviève Geffraye: The proposed methanation unit includes innovation, such as the methanation reactor. It is challenging to upscale at the scale needed for demonstration. Moreover, the whole methanation unit will operate under a large range of conditions (in terms of flow rates and gas composition). This is also challenging.
Next steps
Q.: What are the next activities planned for you and for CEA overall in METHAREN?
Ms. Geneviève Geffraye: The procurement of the whole methanation unit according the specifications given by WP3, as part of WP5. It remains a collective work and challenge!