TURN2X and the EIC Accelerator: Green Methane From Spanish Sun

TURN2X, a Munich company renamed from Turn Energy in October 2024 and led by managing directors Philip Keßler and Benedikt Stolz, produces renewable natural gas by combining green hydrogen with biogenic CO₂ in a patented honeycomb methanation reactor; the result is chemically identical to fossil methane and can go straight into existing gas grids. Its EIC Accelerator project receives an EU contribution of €2,435,125 and runs from October 2024 to December 2026, according to CORDIS. It aims to take the technology from TRL 7 to 8: a containerised reactor, a 1 MW modular unit tested in real conditions, the design of a 9 MW demonstration plant, and supply and offtake agreements.

The first report, covering the first nine months, describes preparation: risk and quality systems, engineering procurement pending "finalization of reactor designs", site assessments in southern Spain, outreach to renewable power and CO₂ suppliers, and a digital model of the reactor, with a laboratory test rig for three reactor diameters under construction at the Spanish pilot plant, according to CORDIS. Separately, TURN2X inaugurated its first commercial plant at Miajadas in Extremadura in 2024, selling 100% of its output on long-term contracts, according to TURN2X, and in September 2025 signed a power purchase agreement with Axpo Iberia to run its electrolyser on renewable power, making what Axpo called Spain's first certified renewable e-methane, according to Axpo.

Where TURN2X Stands Now

TURN2X says it raised more than €25 million in grants and equity in 2024 and started the project for what it calls the largest renewable natural gas plant in the world, according to its website, which sets a goal of supplying the equivalent of 10% of German gas demand by 2031. The German register shows a capital increase in September 2026, according to North Data; the amount and investors were not announced. No EIC Fund investment has been announced, and its accounts were not accessible in free sources.

The Technology: A Honeycomb Reactor for Methane

Turning hydrogen and CO₂ into methane is a well-known chemical process, the EIC report notes; TURN2X's patented honeycomb reactor is meant to make it efficient and modular. The gas it produces can be used in industry, shipping and gas utilities without new equipment. The containerised design is intended to be built in series and shipped in standard 20-foot units.

What the EIC Award Promised, and What the Record Shows

The project runs to December 2026, so it is too early to judge it. TURN2X says it already produces and sells renewable methane. But the specific EIC deliverables, the 1 MW modular unit and the 9 MW plant design, depended on reactor designs that were still being finalised in mid-2025, and no completion has been reported.

1. Reactor model and test rigIn progressYear-one report.
2. 1 MW modular unit testedNot reportedProject target.
3. 9 MW plant designedNot reportedProject target.
4. Supply and offtakeSecuredAxpo PPA, offtake.

The Money

TURN2X's 2024 fundraising far exceeds the EIC grant, and it relies on customers paying for certified renewable gas. The award was blended finance; whether the EIC Fund took equity is not public.

What Cannot Be Checked

Why Europe Should Care

The EIC report ties the project to EU priorities on energy security and industrial decarbonisation, and renewable methane can use existing pipelines and boilers. TURN2X is German-founded and produces in Spain.

The Verdict

TURN2X and the EIC have not been asked for comment for this article. It is based entirely on public records and published statements, linked throughout.