Turning waste into sustainable fuels using hydrogen and anaerobic digestion

University of Exeter

Academic: Prof. Xiaohong Li

External Partner: HydroStar Europe Limited

This project is exploring how green hydrogen can be integrated with anaerobic digestion systems to produce low-carbon fuels, including e-methanol and enhanced biogas.

The approach combines hydrogen production with existing waste-to-energy processes, using hydrogen to boost biomethane yields while capturing carbon dioxide from anaerobic digestion as a feedstock for e-methanol synthesis. The project will assess the technical and economic feasibility of this integrated system, including its potential application across maritime and aviation sectors, where demand for sustainable fuels is growing.

By linking hydrogen, biogas and e-fuels into a multi-vector energy system, the project supports regional decarbonisation and strengthens the South West and South Wales as a hub for sustainable fuel innovation.