The STORMING project, funded under the Horizon Europe programme, is pushing the boundaries of methane conversion through the development of structured unconventional reactors powered by renewable electricity. By cracking fossil and renewable CH₄ into CO₂-free hydrogen and valuable carbon nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes (CNTs), STORMING aims to support Europe’s clean energy transition and contribute to the decarbonisation of industrial sectors.
On 12–13 March 2024, the STORMING consortium gathered in Zaragoza, Spain, for its 3rd Consortium Meeting, hosted by Universidad de Zaragoza (UNIZAR). This in-person gathering came at a pivotal moment—right after the end of the first reporting period and at the midpoint of the project—offering an opportunity to review progress, plan next steps, and strengthen collaboration.
The two-day meeting featured detailed presentations from each of the project’s six work packages, covering a range of topics from catalyst development to reactor integration and communication activities. These updates ensured that all partners remain aligned with project objectives and deliverables. Key highlights included updates on the optimization of iron-based catalysts, first results from 3D-printed materials, and discussions on scale-up challenges and solutions.
In addition to reviewing technical progress, the consortium meeting served as a platform for open exchange among the partners. Researchers and engineers shared best practices, discussed lessons learned, and coordinated experimental activities to ensure synergies between the catalyst design and reactor configuration teams.
Communication and dissemination activities were also a focus. EEIP, the WP6 leader, presented a review of recent outreach efforts, including the first joint webinar with sister projects TITAN and COLDSPARK. The team also initiated planning for the next major dissemination event, which will focus on STORMING’s reactor validation and market engagement strategy.
With solid progress achieved across all work packages and an even stronger sense of collaboration among the partners, the project is well-positioned for a successful second half. The next Consortium Meeting will be held in London in September 2024, hosted by Finden Ltd., and will mark the beginning of STORMING’s final implementation phase.