Catalysis Research Perspectives at the German–South African Power to X Symposium

Catalysis Research Perspectives at the German–South African Power‑to‑X Symposium

The German–South African Symposium on Power‑to‑X (26–27 March 2026, Cape Town) highlighted the central role of catalysis research in enabling sustainable Power‑to‑X (PtX) value chains, from green hydrogen production to downstream fuels such as methanol, ammonia, and e‑fuels.

Experts from academia and industry came together in Cape Town on 26–27 March for the German–South African Symposium on Power-to-X, organized by DECHEMA together with German Aerospace Center (DLR), Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft / Helmholtz Association, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), as part of the Kopernikus project P2X and the Catalysis Institute and the University of Cape Town.

Discussions emphasised advances in catalyst design, reaction engineering, and system integration, which are critical for improving efficiency, selectivity, and scalability of PtX processes. These themes align closely with ongoing research priorities within the Catalysis Institute, particularly around fuel synthesis, CO₂ utilisation, and sustainable chemical pathways. The Symposium further highlighted legal and financing challenges of PtX-processes and engaged with the role of the various stakeholders through a workshop led by the WWF.

Prof Nico Fischer from the Catalysis Institute co-organized and attended the symposium, contributing to scientific exchange and strengthening links between catalysis research and emerging PtX applications relevant to both South Africa’s export potential and Germany’s demand for low‑carbon fuels.

Dr Wijnand Marquart, a graduate form the Catalysis Institute and current COO of the startup company C STAR shared his experience in the deep tech sector in a panel discussion with colleagues from Germany and Kenya.

By bringing together catalysis scientists, systems analysts, and industry stakeholders, the symposium underscored the importance of fundamental and applied catalysis research as a key enabler of a just and scalable energy transition.

For a comprehensive overview of the symposium programme, themes, and context:
👉 Kopernikus Project P2X – Symposium in Cape Town