# European energy transition and recycling research > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-energy-transition-and-recycling-research > Updated: 2026-10-16T21:21:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. European researchers are developing diverse technologies focused on energy storage, decarbonization, and waste repurposing. Initial efforts include proposals for compressed air energy storage using deep geological formations in Portugal to stabilize renewable energy grids. Concurrently, the UNCOVER project, funded by Horizon Europe, aims to convert industrial CO2 into products such as biomethanol, construction materials, and biodegradable plastics. Subsequent developments in Central Europe have expanded into chemical recycling and advanced building materials. Scientists in the Czech Republic have created an iron and carbon-based catalyst to recycle polystyrene into benzonitrile. Additionally, researchers in Poland are working on the ACTI-CON project, which utilizes recycled graphite from lithium-ion batteries and other additives to develop concrete with enhanced thermal energy storage capabilities. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-16: European researchers develop new recycling and energy storage technologies Scientists are developing innovative recycling and construction technologies, including a new catalyst to turn polystyrene into pharmaceuticals and specialized concrete for improved thermal energy storage. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-researchers-develop-new-recycling-and-energy-storage-technologies ### 2026-09-29: European researchers advance energy storage and CO2 conversion technologies European researchers are developing new technologies for renewable energy storage via compressed air in geological formations and converting industrial CO2 into sustainable products like fuels and plastics. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-researchers-advance-energy-storage-and-co2-conversion-technologies --- Cite as: European energy transition and recycling research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-energy-transition-and-recycling-research