Barcelona, SPAIN — June 10 — Over the course of June 10-11, 2024, leading research groups and industrial figures in the hydrogen sector gathered in Barcelona for the second general assembly of the HYIELD project. Supported by EU funding under the Horizon JU Innovation Actions, this assembly was a critical juncture, focusing on evaluating progress and strategizing future phases of the project dedicated to converting organic waste into clean hydrogen.
Harnessing Waste for Clean Energy
The HYIELD project addresses crucial environmental challenges by targeting the dual issues of waste management and sectoral decarbonization. It uses a novel multi-stage steam gasification technology, a process developed by Waste to Energy Advanced Solutions where waste is heated without oxygen in multiple stages. The initiative aims to demonstrate the conversion of European waste into clean hydrogen on a pilot scale. With a planned production capacity of 650 tons of hydrogen during the testing phase, the project provides a valuable model for scalable hydrogen production that will be instrumental in supporting the EU’s broader 2030 hydrogen production targets.
Assembly Highlights
The assembly opened with dynamic updates and presentations, encapsulating the progress and milestones achieved thus far. Andrés Ponce, CEO of Waste to Energy Advanced Solutions, set the tone by emphasizing the assembly’s strategic importance: “Our discussions today are crucial as we identify gaps and synchronize our strategies to drive this project to successful realization. Our focus at HYIELD is clear: we’re here to accelerate hydrogen solutions, to innovate and implement swiftly and effectively.”
The assembly sessions reviewed the progress across various work packages. Initially, SINTEF led discussions on improving the technical details for unit operation, which is pivotal for enhancing the concept’s robustness and maximizing hydrogen production efficiency. Following this, EURECAT showcased the initial framework for a Digital Twin model, which is a virtual replica of the physical system. This model aims to significantly enhance operational accuracy, a crucial step for scaling up hydrogen output. The session emphasized the importance of data for realistic results and the need for contributions from all partners. Next, VEOLIA discussed selecting biomass waste materials to use as input for the demonstration plant, an essential phase towards operational testing. Furthermore, Inveniam Group’s efforts to advance the communication strategy were showcased, aiming to boost project visibility and stakeholder engagement.
On the second day, the focus shifted to practical demonstrations at the Cemex Cement facility in Alcanar, where a 3MW pilot plant is slated for construction. This facility, designed to be highly scalable, will undergo a 15-month testing period, processing over 3.9 kilotons of dry material. The visit to the plant offered partners a firsthand look at the site that will soon exemplify HYIELD’s cutting-edge technology in a real-world industrial setting.
This assembly brought together robust consortium of Europe’s top research institutes, technology developers, and industrial players, including Magtel Operaciones, Cemex España, VEOLIA, WtEnergy Advanced Solutions, H2SITE, Mincatec Energy, SINTEF, Fundació Eurecat, Aristeng, Synhelion, Inveniam Group, Cetaqua, ArcelorMittal Bremen, Enagas, and Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC). Their collective expertise is driving forward the initiative, which aims to serve as a replicable model for clean hydrogen production suitable for regions grappling with waste disposal challenges, particularly in less accessible areas.
Moving Forward
By integrating cutting-edge technology and collaborative expertise, the HYIELD project marks a significant step towards realizing a sustainable, low-carbon future. This assembly has reinforced the commitment of all partners to the project’s ambitious goals, setting the stage for continued innovation and expansion.
For further information, please contact:
Laia Mencia
+34 930 181 691
laia@inveniam-group.com
