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Food in climate change: Greenlyte fights against CO₂ with the latest technology!
Florian Hildebrand from Greenlyte is nominated for Impact Entrepreneur of the Year 2025, based on UDE research on CO₂ removal.
Food in climate change: Greenlyte fights against CO₂ with the latest technology!
Florian Hildebrand, the founder and managing director of Greenlyte Carbon Technologies, was nominated for Impact Entrepreneur of the Year at the German Startup Awards 2025. The company, which is based in Essen, specializes in an innovative solution for reducing CO₂. Using a unique technology, CO₂ is removed directly from the air and converted into hydrogen.
The development of this groundbreaking method is based on the research of Dr. Peter Behr at the University of Duisburg-Essen. The process involves three essential steps: First, the air is brought into contact with a special liquid, causing CO₂ molecules to react with the liquid and form a salt. In the second step, this salt is separated from the liquid, making it possible to isolate pure CO₂. Finally, the material used at the beginning of the process is recycled and can be used again.
Funding and future plans
Greenlyte recently received funding worth millions from the NRW program “Productive.NRW”, which is co-financed by the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia and the EU. One of the company's next big steps is the realization of the first direct air capture (DAC) for eMethanol plant in the Marl chemical park. This plant will achieve an annual capacity of up to 1,000 tons of eMethanol and is modular and scalable.
The innovative technology combines CO₂ extraction from the air, hydrogen production and methanol synthesis in a single system. The Marl Chemical Park provides 3,000 square meters of space and comprehensive infrastructure support. The partners and future buyers of eMethanol technology include well-known companies such as Mabanaft, Düsseldorf Airport and Klöckner & Co.
Growth and influence
Greenlyte was founded in 2022 and has since received over $26 million in capital. The company now employs more than 50 people and is pursuing various commercial projects worldwide. In the long term, Greenlyte aims to increase CO₂ extraction capacity to 0.1 gigatons per year by 2050, which would make a significant contribution to combating climate change.
Greenlyte's commitment is also supported by its nomination for the SET100 list 2025, which is presented by the German Energy Agency (dena) and presented to the World Energy Council. This list includes the 100 most promising energy transition and climate tech start-ups worldwide and promotes innovative business models in the area of climate protection.
The public vote for the most inspiring founders runs until May 4th. Every year, the German Startup Award recognizes outstanding founders and investors. While the jury selects the nominees, the audience has the opportunity to decide on the winners via online voting.