Scientists Meet Scientists – TUM-IAS Wednesday Coffee Talk by Dr. Gianluca Pauletto on “Electrifying the Chemical Industry: How Electric Heating can Power Chemical Processes”
Events, WCT |
On 13 May 2026, Dr. Gianluca Pauletto (Chair of Chemical Technology II, TUM, and SYPOX project leader) will talk about “Electrifying the Chemical Industry: How Electric Heating can Power Chemical Processes”.
Abstract: The chemical industry relies heavily on high-temperature processes, with reforming of natural gas being the most widely used technology for hydrogen or syngas production. These intermediates can be used as key building blocks for the production of methanol, ammonia, synthetic fuels, and a wide range of advanced chemicals. Industrial steam methane reforming is generally powered by fossil fuel combustion to generate the required process heat, resulting in significant CO2 emissions.
At SYPOX, we have developed an electrically heated reactor that enables the conversion of natural gas or biogas to syngas without fossil fuel combustion. By supplying heat via resistive heating directly within the reactor, the technology can significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2.
In this talk the principles of electrically heated reforming and the design of the SYPOX reactor will be explained to show how this technology can contribute to the electrification and decarbonization of the chemical industry.
Related TUM Press Release: Making the chemical industry more sustainable - TUM
Date: May 13, 2026
Time: 13:00 CEST (until approx. 14:00)
Location: online
Registration: The TUM-IAS Wednesday Coffee talks are held online via Microsoft Teams. To register and to receive the Teams link, please send an email to events@ias.tum.de.
THE TUM-IAS WEDNESDAY COFFEE TALKS
Every Wednesday after lunch, it's all about a new topic - current research highlights at TUM, insights into the work of our Fellows from all over the world, sometimes even topics not usually found at TUM, such as history or theology.
The talks held online start every Wednesday during TUM lecture time at 13:00 CE(S)T. Everyone is welcome - TUM researchers of all levels, students, visiting scholars, and anyone interested!
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An overview of upcoming and past TUM-IAS Wednesday Coffee Talks can be found at the TUM-IAS Wednesday Coffee Talk Overview.