Young scientists turn waste into energy: Revolutionary hydrogen production from the paper industry

The project is implemented in cooperation with Jiří Ryšavy and Jakub Čespiva from the Energy Research Centre and the industrial partner of the project, which is the company Vítkovická zemědělská s.r.o. The expert guarantee of the project is provided by the mentor Lucie Obalová, director of the Institute of Environmental Technologies.

"The project focuses on the production of renewable hydrogen of high purity from the waste of the paper industry, specifically from sludge and fibrous residues. It uses innovative processes including hydrolytic pretreatment, anaerobic digestion, plasma biogas conversion and membrane separation. The research focuses on major challenges such as fouling fermenters with calcium contained in sludge, optimising plasma conversion and developing durable membranes," says Petra Wojnarová, introducing the main topics she will be working on over the next two years.

The implementation of this project will contribute to environmental protection, economic development and technological innovation. Efficient treatment of heavily degradable waste will contribute significantly to reducing emissions and reducing landfilling and incineration. Energy efficiency consists in a higher yield of methane and hydrogen from the waste, maximising its potential. The project also promotes a sustainable energy mix and regional development, while contributing to the creation of new jobs and strengthening regional self-sufficiency. An important component is the technological innovation of plasma conversion of methane to hydrogen, which opens up new possibilities for sustainable energy production. The project also contributes to the training and development of young scientists through multidisciplinary cooperation.

The research activities are divided between the project partners. The Institute of Environmental Technology (IET) focuses on research into hydrolytic pretreatment and anaerobic digestion of the substrate. The Energy Research Centre (ERC) focuses on plasma conversion of biogas to hydrogen and membrane treatment technology. Vítkovická zemědělská s.r.o. is responsible for the supply and treatment of waste and testing of technologies directly in the biogas plant.

This ambitious project combines cutting-edge research with practical applications, bringing environmental and economic benefits and promoting a sustainable future.