The LAURELIN is a R&D project, with a duration of 54 months, that will be focused on the optimization and improvement of CO2 hydrogenation process, to obtain methanol as renewable fuel (TRL3). Main objectives are related to the improvement of previous discussed limiting factors: selectivity, yield, and energy reqThe LAURELIN is a R&D project, with a duration of 48 months, that will be focused on the optimization and improvement of CO2 hydrogenation process, to obtain methanol as renewable fuel (TRL3). Main objectives are related to the improvement of previous discussed limiting factors: selectivity, yield, and energy requirements. The strategies adopted by LAURELIN project to achieve the planned objectives are basically the following: a) Research and development in disruptive multifunctional catalyst systems. LAURELIN is focused on methanol synthesis from selective CO2 hydrogenation. A clean process that produces water, CO and methane. b) New technologies for CO2 hydrogenation. CO2 hydrogenation with very low energy demands will be adressed by introducing three advanced synthesis technologies employing: Magnetic Induction, Non-Thermal Plasma Induction and Microwave technologies. These three technologies are suitable to employ intermittent renewable energy supply systems for selective CO2 hydrogenation, which is based on to convert renewable power energy to chemicals. One of the most remarkable aspects of the LAURELIN project will be the close collaboration with Japanese partners to share and increase knowledge on catalyst systems (mainly about high porous supports as zeolites) focused on hydrogenation processes, as well as to increase impact by fast future industrial and market deployments. LAURELIN partnership is composed by 10 partners, 8 of them are from 5 EU countries (Spain, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium) and 2 partners are from Japan. Furthermore it is composed by Research Organisations, Higher Education Institutions and SME companies.

Freshwater ecosystems are heavily impacted by human activities and climate change. Overall, at least 37% of Europe's freshwater fishes are threatened at a continental scale, and 39% are threatened at the EU level. This is one of the highest threat levels of any major taxonomic group (DG. Environment, 2011). Many species of river fish are in a very poor conservation status and even those that are protected by eg. the Habitats Directive, are not regularly monitored and documentation of the population trend and status is often lacking. A recent great increase in predation pressure has further increased pressure on river fish, even in healthy, restored or least-impacted areas. In the EU, predation may be the main reason for widespread loss of populations of Habitats Directive listed grayling (Thymallus thymallus). There is a genuine and widespread concern among managers and stakeholders regarding protection of wild populations of river fish, as grayling, from unsustainable predation pressure. The conflicts involving fish protection and predation have been intense in most member states for decades and despite protective measures, including culling (Birds Directive article 9-derogations), the conflicts have remained intense. ProtectFish aim to investigate the monitoring and protective measures of Habitat Directive-listed river fish species, answering Area A of the call. We will develop and test protective actions, using cormorants (Phalocorax carbo sinensis) and grayling as a case. Small- and large scale field experiments will be conducted to measure the effect of relieving cormorant predation pressure on fish populations. We will examine the background for the conflicts, by estimating the current population status of cormorants and grayling in EU as well as quantify the culling of cormorants. The results of ProtectFish will directly aid to achievement of EU Biodiversity Strategy, Natura 2000 and the WFD as well as improved adaptive nature management on local levels.

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are designed to work up temperature of 40ºC, however, discharging the battery generates heat. A cooling system is required to avoid electrolyte degradation or battery malfunction. Cooling requires energy and reduces the battery global efficiency. Moreover, higher temperatures have advantages: low electrolyte viscosity (less pump energy), better electrolyte diffusion in electrode & increase battery power due to increase electron mobility. BALIHT project aims to develop a new organic redox flow battery suitable to work up to temperatures of 80ºC, with a self-life similar than current organic ones, but with an energy efficiency 20% higher than current RFB since cooling system is not required, less pump energy & high power. Redox-active organic molecules with promising prospect in the application of RFBs, benefited from their low cost, vast abundance, and high tunability of both potential and solubility. These organic molecules are more soluble in water, which allows more concentrated electrolyte and increased battery capacity.CMBlu has developed an organic redox flow battery technology that use electrolytes from lignin, thin non-fluorinated membrane, carbon-based electrodes and plastic frames. Lignin is a renewable resource and the largest natural source of aromatic compounds from which efficient electrolytes can be produced. BALITH concept of organic RFB makes this technology suitable for many applications where the requirements for batteries are more challenging like: - Smoothing of non-dispatchable renewable power plants (like solar or wind) - Support for Ancillary services - High performance electric car recharge points - Improvement of grid flexibility and stability (at both transmission and distribution level). - Avoid cooling needs in RFB placed in warm countries (between 40º Latitude North & 40º Latitude South).