Sustainable hydrogen production from renewable gases and biogenic waste sources through innovative modular reactor design, process intensification and integration

Expected Outcome:Methods to transform renewable gases and biogenic waste sources into renewable hydrogen are diverse, but those such as pyrolysis/gasification of biogenic waste, renewable gas steam reforming and dark fermentation present a promising alternative. However, efficiency and scalability remain key challenges. While previous projects (e.g. BIONICO[1], HYIELD[2], SYMSITES[3], Waste4Bio[4]) have demonstrated technical feasibility, efficiencies remain limited (around 40%) and further improvement is needed to enhance economic viability and life-cycle performance in an industrial environment. Carbon-based products generated during these hydrogen routes may also be characterised to evaluate valuable applications and boost process economics. Thus, a complete and reliable carbon-utilisation-ready solution can be a step forward within the state of the art of the proposed scope.Project results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes:Improved hydrogen yield and energy efficiency, optimising the ratio of hydrogen output to energy input in the production of hydrogen from renewable gases and biogenic waste sources through thermochemical and/or biological pathways;Innovative and breakthrough technologies such as reactor designs, fermentation routes and process configurations, including process intensification schemes, catalyst development, biocatalysis routes and relevant Balance of Plant for the low-emission transformation of renewable sources;Growing use of renewable gases and biogenic waste sources (wastewater, sewage, agrifood waste and other industrial wastes) promoting a circular approach, and enabling sector coupling with industries such as chemicals, steel, fertilisers, and materials, among others;Reduction of CAPEX and OPEX through process simplification, reactor design, system integration, improved reaction kinetics, and better system integration. Overall processes should be optimised for hydrogen production, but also for use of the by-pro