EReTech proposes to develop and validate at TRL 6 a transformative electrically heated reactor, together with the tailored catalyst for steam methane reforming, using a 250 kW unit. Based on SYPOX technology the reactor hosts ceramic supported structured catalyst, electrically heated by internal direct contact resistive heating elements. This allows achieving an energy efficiency close to 95%, i.e., nearly twice the value typical for gas-fired heat boxes, and a reactor volume that is two orders-of-magnitude smaller. As designed, the 250 kW reactor integrated with all required peripherals in a reforming skid will be used to produce approximately 400 kg/day of 99.999% pure H2. This is equivalent to the size of a commercially relevant biogas reforming plant for the decentralized production of renewable H2. The targeted design will allow to increase the power via parallelization, while scale-up will be conceptually targeted for larger capacities (>20 MW electrical input). EReTech?s final goal is to offer solutions for the decentralized market and for the decarbonization of existing or new centralized reforming plants.

The FLEXI-GREEN FUEL project will advance the production of next generation biofuels for shipping and aviation by developing and improving integrated technologies for a complete conversion of #1 lignocellulosic residue biomass (LIGN) and #2 the organic fraction of municipal waste (OFMSW). Project targets are to significantly reduce the cost by improving the performance of the produced biofuels regarding the efficiency, the environment and society. Semi-continuous organosolv pretreatment is used for the separation of cellulose and hemicellulose fractions from lignin, aiming at optimal conversion of each stream. As lipids are far superior bio-crudes towards hydrocarbon fuels, this project we will develop and optimize three efficient methods to convert sugars to lipids (fungal fermentation, algae dark fermentation and lipid rich larva production), which will be further converted via advanced hydrotreatment (HDO/isomerization) to diesel range (C16-C18) alkanes. We will combine this with the utilization of furans (from pentose/hexose sugars) via condensation (C-C coupling) and hydrodeoxygenation routes to allow production of drop-in aviation fuels. And with utilization of lignin fast pyrolysis via selective fractionation, hydrodeoxygenation and alkylation towards aviation fuels (C8-C17) and/or bunker type fuels (>C18). Whole system analysis assess economic (TEA) and environmental (LCA) performance indicators and benchmark against conventional aviation and shipping fuels.

The DARE2X project is proposing a disruptive approach to decarbonising ammonia (NH3) production: development of sorption-enhanced plasma-catalytic synthesis. NH3 is the chemical produced in the second highest quantities globally and is responsible for 1.8% of global CO2 emissions. Furthermore, its demand is expected to increase drastically in the coming decade through its huge promise as a green fuel. As a result, decarbonisation of NH3 production is an essential goal for decarbonisation of the EU economy by 2050. The timing is vital in starting the push for future production technologies for green NH3, to meet the expected increase in demand. The main challenges for realising European green NH3 production is to transition away from fossil fuel-based, centralised Haber-Bosch facilities, to decentralised, dynamic systems that can be coupled directly to renewable electricity generators at or near the point of use. This does, however, require significant developments. DARE2X will overcome these barriers through the following game-changing solutions: (i) reactors utilising non-thermal plasma to drive NH3 synthesis; (ii) novel, more active catalysts using low-CRM materials, iii) stable and efficient NH3 sorption materials for in-situ NH3 separation. These innovations will be integrated into a single sorption-enhanced plasma-catalytic device that will be validated at TRL4. The economic, environmental and social feasibility will be assessed through LCA, LCC and a social acceptance study. To meet these objectives, DARE2X combines world-leading research institutions and innovative and R&D-performing SMEs specialised in renewable technologies, materials engineering, and technology demonstrations. The novel DARE2X approach has the potential to make decentralised production of green NH3 cost-competitive, providing European self-sufficiency of this vital future fuel, and creating European scientific and innovation excellence that will spawn new companies and create jobs.