For the Phase 1 scoping and development stage of this Program, BEIS provided $5 million in the financing, with a maximum of $250,000 per project.
The financing enables the 22 organizations, including start-ups and small- and medium-sized businesses, to create compelling project proposals with the goal of delivering novel hydrogen BECCS technology solutions in three areas that are economically viable:
- Pre-processing of feedstocks: The creation of low-cost, resource- and energy-efficient technologies that will optimize biogenic (including biomass and waste) feedstocks for use in cutting-edge gasification technology.
- Advanced gasification technology components are being developed with a focus on boosting syngas quality and increasing hydrogen production.
- Development of innovative biohydrogen technologies that can be integrated with carbon captures, such as anaerobic digestion, wastewater treatment, and dark fermentation.
Category 1: Pre-processing of feedstock
using oversized compost as feedstock for the production of hydrogen
Biowise Limited is in charge.
Leading waste management and composting business Biowise serves the north and the Midlands. In order to provide a biogenic feedstock source for hydrogen gasifiers, Biowise is putting up an intriguing idea that will handle oversized waste compost. This project will be funded through Hydrogen BECCS innovation. The invention will eliminate the present issues with compost oversize and also provide a fully biogenic feedstock for hydrogen BECCS supply chains by using sorting, grading, and material handling processes to generate a fuel that fulfills a hydrogen gasification feedstock standard.
Utilizing biorefinery waste to produce blue hydrogen is known as “Bluegen.”
The University of Hull is in charge.
We create more bio-refinery waste through the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass as a result of the expanding usage of biofuels made through fermentation and digesters (removal of sugars). These sludge-based substances have untapped hydrogen reserves, a potential net-zero fuel. These sludges will be gasified as part of Project Bluegen to create hydrogen. The goal of this project is to treat bio-refinery waste in an economical manner so that it may be used as a feedstock for gasifiers, which will improve the efficiency of the processing. By conducting cradle-to-grave techno-economic and life-cycle assessments, we will take a comprehensive approach to the use of sludge-based solid fuels. This will lead to the design of an integrated system, sugar removal, and hydrogen production that can be coupled with carbon capture and storage (CCS), eliminating CO2 emissions and preventing the release of waste to landfills.
Gasification components in category 2
Biomass Gasification Tar Reformation and Ash Removal Development
Advanced Biofuel Solutions Ltd. is in charge.
Together, ABSL and UCL will advance and strengthen biomass gasification. A crucial process for producing BECCS biohydrogen is fluidized bed oxy-steam gasification. Ash components included in biomass, however, have the potential to bind the fluidized bed and hinder the gasification process. This indicates that low-temperature gasification results in the creation of tars. The gas produced from biomass is exceedingly challenging to work with because of the ash and tars that clog equipment. In this study, creative approaches of handling these toxins will be investigated.
Micro-H2 hub using biogenic feedstock for the synthesis of CO2 and hydrogen
Compact Syngas Solutions Limited is in charge.
With assistance from subcontractors in chemical and process engineering and design, Compact Syngas Solutions has combined established technology and knowledge in gasification/gasifier processes.
Utilizing biogenic feedstock from syngas streams, the project aims to investigate the technical, economic, and commercial viability of using water in place of amines as a scrubbing material for CO2 removal and capture in a form that can be transported and sold to end-users.
Bio-hydrogen Enhanced Reforming produced (Bio-HyPER)
Cranfield University is in charge.
In order to showcase a cutting-edge hydrogen BECCS process, Cranfield University, Helical Energy, Bioenergy Infrastructure Group, GTI Energy, Petrofac, and Origen Power have joined forces to form Bio-HyPER.
The project will conduct a feasibility assessment on the creation of carbon-captured hydrogen from biomass. This feasibility study will evaluate the viability of incorporating biogas feedstocks and cutting-edge gasification technology into the HyPER process. The Phase 2 project will showcase the clean hydrogen production technology at the HyPER pilot plant at Cranfield University. The clean hydrogen production technology is based on Sorption Enhanced Reforming.
Using SCWG, RiPR (Rising Pressure Reformer) (Super Critical Water Gasification)
Helical Energy Ltd. is in charge.
In an effort to showcase this cutting-edge new H2BECCS technology, Helical Energy and Cranfield University are leading the RiPR (Rising Pressure Reformer) project. A revolutionary technology, the breakthrough challenges conventional wisdom regarding gasification. At extremely high pressure and temperature, RiPR uses gasification and water-gas-shift to process biogenic fuels. In these circumstances, the fuel quickly breaks down into hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. The main benefits of employing biogenic fuels include the fact that there is little to no fuel preparation necessary and that the product gas is supplied at high pressure without the need for further costly and energy-intensive compression.
Optimization of the H2/CO2 separation process step improves the efficiency of the KEW biomass gasification system.
Kew Projects Ltd. is in charge.
At its facility in Wednesbury, KEW’s cutting-edge pressurized Advanced Gasification Technology (AGT) transforms biomass into hydrogen-rich Syngas. In order to create high-purity Hydrogen for transportation or industry, as well as CO2 that is prepared for sequestration, KEW is adding process stages based on tried-and-true technology. This project will assess cutting-edge techniques that can lower the H2 / CO2 separation stage’s capital and operating expenses as well as boost overall energy efficiency. In order to be evaluated in phase 2 in a modular setup suited for commercial applications, a demonstrator will be created.
Demonstrator for North East Waste Wood Hydrogen (NEW2H2)
Northumbria University is in charge.
This project will assess the techno-economic viability of a modular, scalable demonstration unit that uses waste wood gasification to produce biohydrogen. North East Waste Wood Hydrogen Demonstrator, or NEW2H2, is the name of the system. At the Holborn site in South Shields, the demonstration will be situated in South Tyneside. The Holborn Renewable Energy Network (HREN), which intends to produce renewable energy by collecting waste energy resources, will include it as a component. South Tyneside Council, the North East Local Enterprise Network, Northumbria University, and businesses are working together on this project (Driver Global Construction Consultancy and Buro Happold).
For the purpose of reducing tars in BECCS, novel plasma reforming technology
Queen Mary University of London is in charge.
The technique that supports BECCS and biohydrogen is gasification. In addition to the beneficial CO and H2, that result from the gasification of biomass, tars, mixed ash-char particles, and inorganic pollutants are also present in the syngas. Delivering an integrated, designed system that reduces problematic components to a tolerable level while remaining cost-effective is the main difficulty for adopting BECCS systems internationally. By using a unique self-powered plasma catalytic system for particles and tars removal, QMUL and UCL will investigate the viability of a novel approach to remove these impurities from syngas and establish a costed strategy for installing this solution in an existing gasification facility.
gasification of biomass to produce H2 Innovative one-step Gas shift reforming and separation integrated (BIG-H2)
The University of Sheffield’s Translational Energy Research Centre is in charge.
In order to produce high-purity hydrogen and CO2, BIG-H2 looks into the integration of biomass/biowaste gasification with cutting-edge gas cleaning/upgrading and novel membrane-based separation. This BECCS-to-hydrogen solution has the potential to provide long-term net negative emissions for a variety of industries. The project will eventually result in an initial FEED analysis of the integrated system, focusing on technologies, feedstocks, techno-economics, product markets, sustainability, and demonstration/development. These feasibility studies will expand the idea and create a forward development plan to move into Phase 2, a large-scale industrial demonstration to verify the technology in actual operational situations, together with systems modeling and validation of the demonstration plant.
Novel biohydrogen technology falls within category 3.
Cyanobacterial hydrogen: a biological source of carbon-free or carbon-negative hydrogen
17Cicada Ltd. in charge
A UK start-up called 17Cicada was created with the goal of creating, enhancing, and commercializing a variety of “products from bacteria” technology. Dr. Samantha Bryan, the CTO of the business, is a Nottingham University-based academic researcher.
In this study, we suggest employing cyanobacteria to produce hydrogen biologically. Using light energy and carbon dioxide (CO2) as a carbon source under ambient settings, cyanobacteria are photosynthetic organisms that provide low energy, zero/negative-carbon methods for the direct generation of hydrogen from solar energy.
This strategy may be used in conjunction with other hydrogen generation techniques and related carbon capture and storage (CCS) innovations.
Organic Dark Fermentation
Alps Ecoscience UK Ltd. is in charge.
The H2 BECCS project by Alps Ecoscience aims to create hydrogen from waste utilizing dark fermentation in order to provide a low-carbon, sustainable energy source. By using this cutting-edge technology, anaerobic digestion facilities will be able to create hydrogen in addition to their current biogas output. The method allows for increased waste to energy conversion through biological process efficiency, as well as production cost savings in the generation of heat and power. resulting in increased energy production per ton, fewer carbon emissions, and the avoidance of organic waste disposal or incineration. Alps Ecoscience, a biological engineering consultant with expertise in the creation of green fuels from organic waste, is responsible for completing the task.
Biohydrogen production from waste biomass
a CATAGEN Limited-led team.
CATAGEN, a net-zero company renowned for its cutting-edge, new technology solutions, is using its patented recirculating-gas reactor technology to create a practical process for creating low-carbon biohydrogen. This strategy can allow early low-carbon hydrogen adoption and significantly quicken the transition to a Net Zero hydrogen economy.
One of the biggest obstacles to the development of a hydrogen economy is the generation of hydrogen from renewable biomass. The CATAGEN system has the potential to use an energy-efficient process to generate sustainable bio-hydrogen and bio-CO2 from waste biomass. In comparison to the price of green hydrogen, this would enable the manufacturing of low-carbon bio-hydrogen.
Refined Pure Pyrolysis
Environment Power International (UK R&D) Limited is in charge.
The Pure Pyrolysis method, created by Environmental Power International, transforms virtually any sort of organic material into high-quality fuel gas and carbon-rich char.
Since there is no combustion in this special procedure, there are no pollutants. Over the course of more than 20 years, the technique was successfully tested at full scale in the UK, where it was created.
Up until now, the emphasis has been on the creation of energy, but via this initiative, we combine two additional distinctive UK technologies to show how to produce green hydrogen and sequester carbon without emitting any emissions.
Carbon life cycle analyses have already shown that this innovative British technology has a zero carbon footprint.
HAROW: Hydrogen from Organic Wastes Reformed in Aqueous Phase
ICMEA-UK Ltd.
The goal of the HAROW consortium project, which includes ICMEA-UK, Olleco, and Aston University as partners, is to produce hydrogen from wastewater that has been polluted by organic matter.
ICMEA-UK will oversee the creation of a reactor to use diverse organic wastes in water accessible at Olleco based on research at Aston.
The goal of this study is to show that the method will produce high yields of biogenic hydrogen while operating efficiently. The Phase 2 demonstration, which aims to produce about 5 kg/hr of hydrogen, will include design parameters, capital and operational costs, and hydrogen yields that can be evaluated using a laboratory rig to study the reaction kinetics with various feedstocks.
Dark and photo-induced biohydrogen fermentation
Phoebus Power Limited is in charge.
Together with Grassroots Energy, Phoebus Power is developing a novel method for producing bio-hydrogen that will allow it to be made almost entirely from organic feedstocks including straw, grass, food waste, and energy crops. The biphasic dark and photo fermentation system, a first of its type, will be designed for feasibility research by employing innovative and exclusive bacteria while trapping the CO2 produced. The Phase 1 feasibility study was funded by BEIS, which will allow for the establishment of a demonstration plant in Phase 2 to showcase the biorefinery idea for producing bio-hydrogen from organic feedstocks that are widely accessible in the UK and throughout the world.
Carbon Nanotube Production from Syngas via Thermal Catalysis
The Cool Corporation Ltd. is in charge.
Cool, Kew, and Petrofac are working together on a project to turn syngas generated from RDF into Biohydrogen (Bio-H2) and Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs). By doing this, we want to decrease CO2 emissions while also producing clean hydrogen and CNTs, a very valuable nanomaterial with a variety of uses. To show the economic viability and emissions reduction potential of Cool’s technology, the team will construct a prototype plant. The partnership that is defining the project’s technical, financial, and operational parameters includes Kew and Petrofac.
The Graphene, Hydrogen, and Sustainable Biogas LOOP
United Utilities Water is in charge.
In order to use the Levidian LOOP process to manufacture hydrogen and graphene, our proposal will offer a 100% sustainable feed supply. By using biogas produced during wastewater treatment as the LOOP’s feed material, we intend to continuously deliver graphene, a substance that may be used to collect and store carbon, as well as hydrogen, a fuel. We are providing chances for several businesses to become carbon neutral by utilizing this constantly accessible and sustainable feed material. We are also assisting the UK government in developing a viable and sustainable hydrogen economy and their objectives for net zero carbon.
Biological, thermal, and electrochemically integrated techniques to produce hydrogen from organic waste
Aberdeen University is in charge.
The project’s goal is to create a novel and environmentally friendly method for extracting hydrogen from the organic material found in various forms of garbage by combining biological, thermal, and electrochemical processes. The University of Aberdeen, University of Cranfield, and the University of Verona are the project’s partners.
Phase 1 of the procedure is a feasibility study. Building and running the pilot plant that will be used to demonstrate the process will be the focus of phase 2. The pilot plant will be utilized for performance and functional testing as well as for measuring energy use and hydrogen generation.
H2-Boost
Leeds University is in charge.
The H2-Boost initiative seeks to economically and ecologically sustainably create biohydrogen for the UK transportation industry. The proposed multi-step process uses readily available organic waste (farm waste, manures, etc.) as feedstock. This waste is first pre-treated using a novel oxidation process (advanced wet oxidation) to increase biodegradability and hydrogen yields in a subsequent biological process (dark fermentation), using fermentative microorganisms to transform organic compounds into hydrogen gas and other valuable by-products. To evaluate the potential of this technology and provide a business case for its full-scale adoption, we will carry out a thorough feasibility study.
BIOHYGAS
The University of South Wales is in charge.
In comparison to current methods, the two-stage BIOHYGAS biohydrogen/biomethane AD system can boost energy recovery from sewage biosolids by up to 37%. Using USW’s novel two-stage digestion system, stage one of this project will show how to produce hydrogen directly from sewage biosolids. Stage one’s output is then fed to a conventional methane digester, which runs almost twice as quickly as a conventional methane digester and produces higher yields of methane, which are then converted to fuel cell-grade hydrogen while the CO2 co-produced in both stages is used in stage two.
Bio Hydrogen Experimenter
in charge of Wood Group UK Ltd.
With its industry-leading SMR (steam methane reformer) efficiency, Wood has developed a hydrogen generation system that is fed and fueled by renewable biological liquid feedstocks. The secret method enables the creation of carbon-neutral, or carbon-negative, hydrogen when combined with carbon sequestration. Wood will evaluate the viability of implementing its cutting-edge biohydrogen generation technology at an industrial demonstration scale under the BEIS Hydrogen BECCS Innovation Programme. The location for the technological demonstration will be combined with a cutting-edge hydrogen infrastructure project in the UK.
