The EReTech Horizon Project began in June 2022, and after 18 months of concerted efforts, we are pleased to report the successful achievement of all outlined objectives, without any need for schedule adjustments.
During the initial six months, we focused on the project organization and planning, particularly in defining the requirements for upscaling the SYPOX electrically heated reactor — the core technology of the project. Concurrently, we defined the need for the construction of both pilot plants involved in the project.
Moving into the seventh month, our activities have been diverse. We are currently engaged in testing and characterizing various catalyst formulations, with a dedicated lab-scale plant for activity testing ready for experimentation. Comprehensive models of the SYPOX reactor, including 1D, 2D, and CFD models, have been created and validated using experimental data. Theoretical models for analyzing reactive conditions have also been implemented, yielding promising preliminary results.
The original plan for the construction of the 250 kW e-SMR pilot plant (Pilot 1) at the Brightlands campus (BRT) had to be altered due to a partner's withdrawal from the consortium. As it can be imagined, the withdrawal of a partner is never a good news. In particular, BRT was responsible for the construction and installation of the first pilot plant involved within the project. On the other side, together with the management team and the support of all the other partner in the consortium we have been able to find an alternative solution. At the same time, joining the forces of the consortium the forces and capabilities within the consortium, we have been able to avoid any delay in schedule and/or in the final impact of the project.
The new installation site is the Josef Kerner biogas plant, with leadership on the working package from TUM. Pilot 1 is on track and it will be started up according to schedule. Simultaneously, the design phase for the H2-producing plant (Pilot 2) is underway.
We have conducted a thorough assessment involving the identification of relevant standards and a comprehensive process safety analysis, taking into account ATEX (Explosive Atmospheres), HAZID (Hazard Identification), and HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study). This evaluation specifically pertains to a decentralized biogas-based plant designed for hydrogen (H2) production.
Additionally, we have initiated the initial steps towards a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis for the same plant. Preliminary inputs necessary for this analysis have been carefully defined. This proactive approach aligns with our commitment to ensuring operational safety, compliance with established standards, and a holistic understanding of the environmental impact associated with the hydrogen production process from biogas in decentralized operations.
The team is actively involved in designing a process that integrates an e-SMR into a centralized hydrogen-producing plant, incorporating considerations for CO2 and PSA tail gas integration. Discussion is ongoing if an upscaled e-SMR can be installed attached to an existing hydrogen plant in Leuna which is one of the biggest chemical parks in Europe.
