Waste as a Resource in the Hydrogen Economy

The development of the hydrogen economy in Europe is primarily driven by renewable hydrogen production through electrolysis. However, the development of regional hydrogen systems also creates opportunities for other technologies that can make use of locally available resources.

One such resource can be selected non-recyclable waste streams that contain carbon and cannot be returned to material cycles through conventional recycling processes.

From Waste to Syngas and Hydrogen

LOOPER uses thermochemical conversion to transform selected waste streams into hydrogen-rich syngas. Depending on the system configuration and the requirements of each project, the syngas can be used to produce heat or electricity, or further processed for hydrogen recovery.

This approach connects two challenges: the treatment of waste that is unsuitable for recycling and the need for local production of energy and energy carriers.

Complementing Other Hydrogen Production Pathways

Hydrogen production from waste does not replace electrolysis or other hydrogen production pathways. Its value lies in the ability to use different waste streams that are already generated by industry, municipal systems and other activities.

Decentralised systems are particularly relevant at locations where suitable waste streams and a demand for energy or hydrogen exist at the same time. Processing can therefore take place closer to where the waste is generated and to the end user of the energy produced.

LOOPER in the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley

This approach is also being developed within the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley (NAHV) project, which connects Croatia, Slovenia and the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia within a shared regional hydrogen ecosystem.

In Zagreb, Indeloop leads a demonstration facility where hydrogen production from locally available non-recyclable waste streams is being developed. LOOPER is being integrated with systems for hydrogen recovery and storage, as well as its local use for energy applications.

Local Resources as Part of the Future Energy System

The development of the hydrogen economy will require a combination of different technologies, energy sources and local resources. In such a system, waste that cannot be recycled can, where its properties and project conditions allow, become a feedstock for energy and hydrogen production.

For LOOPER, this represents one potential pathway for connecting circular resource management with the development of a low-carbon energy system.