Power‐to‐Syngas: An Enabling Technology for the Transition of the Energy System?

Power‐to‐X concepts promise a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions simultaneously guaranteeing a safe energy supply even at high share of renewable power generation, thus becoming a cornerstone of a sustainable energy system. Power‐to‐syngas, that is, the electrochemical conversion of steam and carbon dioxide with the use of renewably generated electricity to syngas for the production of synfuels and high‐value chemicals, offers an efficient technology to couple different energy‐intense sectors, such as “traffic and transportation” and “chemical industry”. Syngas produced by co‐electrolysis can thus be regarded as a key‐enabling step for a transition of the energy system, which offers additionally features of CO 2 ‐valorization and closed carbon cycles. Here, we discuss advantages and current limitations of low‐ and high‐temperature co‐electrolysis. Advances in both fundamental understanding of the basic reaction schemes and stable high‐performance materials are essential to further promote co‐electrolysis.