HYTIME

Low temperature hydrogen production from second generation biomass

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The aim of HyTime is to deliver a bioprocess for decentral H2 production from 2nd generation biomass with a productivity of 1-10 kg H2/d. The novel strategy in HyTime is to employ thermophilic bacteria which have shown superior yields in H2 production from biomass in the previous FP6 IP HYVOLUTION. Biomass in HyTime is grass, straw, molasses or unsold organic goods from supermarkets. The biomass is fractionated and converted to H2 at high efficiency unique for thermophilic fermentation. Dedicated bioreactors and gas upgrading devices for biosystems will be constructed to increase productivity. The H2 production unit will be independent of external energy supply by applying anaerobic digestion to valorize residues. HyTime adds to the security of supply H2 from local sources and eradicates geopolitical dependence. HyTime builds on HYVOLUTION with 5 partners expanding their research efforts. Three new industrial partners, 2 of which are NEW-IG members, have joined this team with specialist expertise in 2nd generation biomass fractionation and gastechnology. This way a pan-european critical mass in agro- and biotechnological research, the energy and hydrogen sector is assembled to enforce a breakthrough in bioH2 production. The participation of prominent specialists with interdisciplinary competences from academia (1 research institute and 2 universities) and industries (3 SMEs and 2 industries) warrants high scientific quality and rapid commercialization by exploitation of project results and reinforces the European Research Area in sustainable issues. The partners in HyTime have a complementary value in being developers or stake-holders for new market outlets or starting specialist enterprises stimulating new agro-industrial activities to boost the realization of H2 from renewable resources. The concept of HyTime will facilitate the transition to a hydrogen economy by increasing public awareness of the benefits of a clean and renewable energy carrier.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Scientists are developing an integrated bioprocess to produce hydrogen gas (H2) from garden and food waste by fermentation.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

More than 130 million tonnes of biological waste is produced every year in the EU, from kitchens, gardens, restaurants and the food processing industry. This waste constitutes an enormous untapped source of energy and other resources, provided it can be efficiently processed.

The EU-funded 'Low temperature hydrogen production from second generation biomass' (http://www.hy-time.eu (HYTIME)) project is working to develop a bioreactor for the production of H2 from such biological waste streams.

Researchers have analysed various sources of waste, including grass cuttings, straw, and fruit and vegetables discarded by supermarkets. They have also tested the effect of various pre-treatments using steam, dilute chemicals and enzymes on final hydrogen yield.

Bacteria of the genus Caldicellulosiruptor were chosen because they performed well in earlier experiments on hydrogen production. Researchers also investigated a number of methods to monitor the bioreactor and to collect H2.

A laboratory-scale bioreactor that performed well in testing will now be up-scaled to a pilot scale. Researchers studied and optimised the processes taking place within this bioreactor prototype.

Once the pilot bioreactor has been built and tested, HYTIME will produce a conceptual design for commercial production of hydrogen from second generation biomass. This bioprocess will create options for valorisation of biological waste, and contribute to answering the growing global demand for H2.