Investing energy in hydrogen – accelerating applications of decentralised hydrogen
The PD project focuses on two key use cases: biodigestion and water purification.
In biodigestion, the chemical industry, especially through biofermentation at Twence and Vechtstromen Water Board, converts organic waste into biogas and green gas. A major challenge is managing CO2 emissions and identifying cost-effective routes to upgrade or utilize CO2. Additionally, reducing energy consumption in the biodigestion process, which accounts for 20-50% of operating costs, is a priority.
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ir. Hans Gelten
In water purification, the Vechtstromen Water Board integrates water treatment with sludge digestion, producing biogas and clean water. The challenge lies in maximizing the reuse of treated wastewater, raw materials, and energy. A potential solution includes using treated effluent for hydrogen production via electrolyzers. Further research is needed to explore energy and nutrient extraction from residual flows.
Alongside these technical hurdles, labor market shortages and the need for specialized skills are key non-technical barriers to advancing the energy and raw materials transition.
Aim & objective
The PD project aims to replace the use of drinking water and fossil fuels with residual and biogenic waste streams for producing hydrogen and C-based chemicals. The focus is on valorizing CO2 from biodigestion to produce C-based chemicals and utilizing effluent from water treatment to produce hydrogen. Key questions include the technical and economic feasibility of these processes and their integration into business operations. A techno-economic assessment of green methanol production at Twence and research on enhancing synergy between WWTP and electrolysis are key areas. The project also emphasizes developing human capital by integrating new expertise into training programs, particularly around hydrogen.
The PD project focuses on making biodigestion and water purification processes more sustainable by optimizing raw materials, minimizing unwanted emissions, and efficiently utilizing residual flows. At Twence, research investigates the production of green methanol by converting captured CO2 and green hydrogen, exploring alternative CO2 valorization and conversion routes to methane or synthetic kerosene. The goal is to develop a techno-economic model to guide sustainable business decisions.
At the Vechtstromen Water Board, research explores circular use of effluent for electrolyzers and minimizing energy consumption in water treatment processes. The project aims to provide insights into these complex processes through models and develop tools and blueprints to support decision-making.
In education, the project works to bridge the gap between industry needs and academic curricula, particularly through Saxion's revised Chemical Engineering program, fostering lifelong learning and collaboration with the H2Hub to build authentic learning environments for students and professionals.
Contribution to practice and knowledge development
The Hydrogen Innovation Agenda and Roadmap outline the steps needed to achieve the Netherlands' hydrogen and climate goals, with innovation efforts focused on hydrogen production, chemical plant redesign, and minimizing emissions from 2022 to 2026. After 2030, the goal is large-scale renewable hydrogen deployment and further emissions reduction.
The PD project contributes to these goals by modeling specific value chains, providing tools for CO2 valorization, water reuse, and cost-effective processes. These tools help Twence and the Vechtstromen Water Board reduce CO2 emissions and enhance circularity. The project also lays the groundwork for pilot installations.
Additionally, it supports educational developments, focusing on both full-time education and upskilling for Lifelong Learning, addressing the need for engineers to drive the energy transition. The project’s outcomes align with the KPIs of the Hydrogen Innovation Agenda, including the number of Learning Communities and people trained.
The Hydrogen Innovation Agenda and Roadmap outline goals for advancing hydrogen technology, economy, ecology, policy, and human capital. The PD project focuses on concrete use cases in East NL, providing in-depth, quantitative research that supports the region's energy transition. The project strengthens Saxion's expertise in circularity, sustainable chemistry, and hydrogen, contributing to the Saxion/HAN SPRONG group on decentralized hydrogen. The project aligns with the LEVE lectors' platform research agenda, particularly in quantifying technical solutions for the 2030 energy system.
By linking to education through the learning community, it prepares future engineers for a green industry. The H2Hub Twente serves as a hub for collaborative research, supporting the National Hydrogen Roadmap's knowledge development. The project also enhances human capital, promoting in-depth and broad knowledge on hydrogen and its integration into the energy system.
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