A research team from Münster University of Applied Sciences , as part of the SolidScore project, has successfully produced hydrogen and methane from solid biomass . This pilot plant is using biological waste that would normally be used in biogas plants, converting it into renewable gas through dark fermentation.
The production of hydrogen and methane from solid biomass
In a specially designed experimental reactor, materials such as powdered milk are fermented using hydrogen-producing bacteria in a space without oxygen or light. This process produces hydrogen and methane , as well as some organic acids as byproducts. Although the research is in the experimental phase, the initial results are promising: the plant has generated 100 liters of gas, including 20 liters of hydrogen.
We are currently testing powdered milk, but rapeseed, animal feed, and food residues can also be used for production, and these will also be analyzed within the project.
Juliana Rolfel, project engineer, explained.
The project is collaborating with companies such as PlanET Biogastechnik GmbH , which provided powdered milk waste for testing, and EMCEL GmbH , which is evaluating the ecological footprint of this process. In addition, the economic aspects of the project are being investigated to assess its profitability and, if necessary, optimize it for adoption by companies that already manage waste.
Although dark fermentation alone cannot guarantee widespread production of biological hydrogen , this experimental approach has great potential to drive the transition to more sustainable energy sources. The project partners hope to continue research to achieve even more effective results in the future.
The SolidScore project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection , demonstrates the growing interest in exploring cleaner and more sustainable energy alternatives.
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Source and photo: FH Münster
