The Government has launched a programme to help develop innovative technologies to produce hydrogen, a clean energy source, from sustainable biomass and waste. The Hydrogen BECCS Innovation Programme will support hydrogen production via bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS).
The programme aims to support innovative technology solutions across three categories:
- Feedstock pre-processing: the development of low cost, energy and material efficient technologies which will optimise biogenic (including biomass and waste) feedstocks for use in advanced gasification technologies.
- Gasification components: the development of advanced gasification technology components focusing on improving syngas quality and upgrading for generation of hydrogen.
- Novel biohydrogen technologies: the development of novel biohydrogen technologies which can be combined with carbon capture, such as dark fermentation, anaerobic digestion, waste water treatment.
The programme will run in two phases. Phase 1 (total budget £5 million) will support multiple projects to scope and develop a feasible prototype demonstration project to be run in Phase 2.
Applicants, from small businesses and large companies, to research institutions and universities in the UK, will be able to bid for a share of £5 million under Phase 1. Each project will be able to bid for up to £250,000 to help develop their project plans and demonstrate the feasibility of their proposed innovation. Phase 1 will then be followed by the second phase, that will provide further funding to support the most promising Phase 1 applicants to demonstrate their projects.
Bioenergy producers and technology developers collaborating on a particular solution can apply together, although a lead applicant will be required for contracting purposes.
The deadline to register for the programme is 4 March 2022 (12:00 GMT).
