The HiCon project, running from November 2023 to October 2026, unites leading European research and industrial partners to develop a novel, highly efficient reactor technology that converts CO₂ and water into carbon-neutral fuels and chemicals using solar energy.

Unlike conventional processes, HiCon’s innovative reactor design operates at low temperatures with unprecedented efficiency, offering a cost-effective and sustainable way to produce green precursors for fuels and chemicals. The modular and scalable design can be integrated across multiple industries — from power generation and hydrocarbon processing to mobility — supporting the EU’s pathway to net-zero emissions.

The project also represents a just transition: a technological step forward that strengthens Europe’s industrial base while preserving jobs and know-how in energy-intensive sectors.

Nur Energie Ltd’s role and funding

Nur Energie Ltd participates in HiCon as an Associated Partner, a designation created under the Horizon Europe framework for UK entities during the period when the UK’s association with Horizon Europe had not yet been formalised following Brexit.

At the time of the HiCon grant award, the UK was temporarily not associated with Horizon Europe, meaning UK organisations could not sign the formal EU Grant Agreement or receive EU funds directly. To bridge this gap, the UK Government established the Horizon Europe Guarantee, administered by Innovate UK (part of UK Research and Innovation – UKRI), ensuring that all eligible UK participants in successful Horizon consortia could still receive equivalent funding.

Under this scheme, Nur Energie Ltd receives its share of project funding directly from Innovate UK, mirroring what it would have received from the European Commission had the UK been an Associated Country at the time of grant signing. This arrangement allows the company to fully contribute to the HiCon project alongside its European partners and ensures continuity of collaboration and innovation across borders.

Now that the UK has formally re-associated to Horizon Europe (as of September 2023), Nur Energie’s participation in HiCon exemplifies how this Guarantee has successfully maintained the UK’s active role in European research and innovation.

About the HiCon Consortium

The HiCon consortium is coordinated by SYNERGEIES STIN EPISTIMI KAI TECHNOLOGIA-SYNEST (Greece) and includes the following partners:

• ETHNICON METSOVION POLYTECHNION (Greece)
• ITACAT S.R.L. (Italy)
• NPM SILMET OÜ (Estonia)
• E-REON B.V. (Netherlands)
• MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES EMEA LTD (United Kingdom)
• Nur Energie Ltd (United Kingdom)

With a total budget of €2.25 million, fully funded by the European Union, HiCon is advancing materials science, reactor design, and modelling techniques that could transform how carbon-neutral fuels are produced at scale.

For more information on the HiCon project, visit the official CORDIS page: CORDIS Project Page – HiCon (ID: 101130954)