Most of Europe's energy scenarios position hydrogen as a major future vector for energy diversification. However, "traditional" H2 production processes (e.g. steam reforming) are energy-intensive and have an impact on the environment because they depend on fossil fuels. To date, other concepts using sources such as biomass, organic waste, sludge,... seem to be of interest for the future of H2 production. RECORD has produced a detailed inventory of this type of process. It identifies the potential for their emergence in France, Europe and the rest of the world. The report describes both thermochemical and biological processes, as well as the operating conditions required to promote H2 production and the limitations of the systems (quality of deposits, undesirable substances, robustness of equipment, etc.). For thermochemical processes, examples of integrated processes are presented and an economic estimate of the cost of hydrogen has been made. As far as biological processes are concerned, the projects identified and commented on, on a pilot or semi-pilot scale for the most successful, show promising results, although the economic profitability on a large scale cannot yet be assessed.
Subscribe to our newsletter and keep up to date with our latest news.