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Innovative technology used for sustainable production of pure hydrogen from biogas receives European Award

29 November 2019

Large-scale conversion with membrane reactors increases process efficiency by over 70%

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) has given the technology for large-scale conversion of biogas into pure hydrogen using innovative membrane reactors an award in the innovation category at the FCH JU Awards 2019, together with another ten development projects.

The prototype is able to produce up to 100 kg per day of pure hydrogen. The system's core, the membrane reactor, contains 125 ceramic membranes and uses a new catalyst developed specifically for biogas conversion.

This innovative reactor increases efficiency by more than 70% and saves components. It is going to be tested under laboratory conditions for 500 hours and then it will be installed in a real biogas plant in Portugal for long-term tests.

This innovation and all the other ones that have been selected are being developed in partnership with research agents, industry and public bodies. This partnership is one of the global solutions to speed up the transition to a more decarbonised society. The membrane reactor is part of the BIONICO, Biogas Membrane Reformer for Decentralised Hydrogen Production, project.

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FCH JU is a public-private partnership focused on fostering research, technological development and demonstration activities in fuel cells and hydrogen-related energy technologies.

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