KVAL: BIOUP – Bioelectrochemical Reactor for Biogas Upgrading with Methane Production from CO2

Global society needs to move away from a fossil fuel-based economy towards an economy which is renewable, non-fossil derived. Biogas production from organic resources contributes to the achievement of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in several sectors. Several European countries have political goals to increase both biogas production and organic wastes valorisation by anaerobic digestion. The proposed innovation BIOUP, developed by the University of South-Eastern Norway (campus Porsgrunn), will optimise biofuel production from waste products in biogas plants. BIOUP is a reactor which can be implemented in existing biogas plants or as a stand-alone solution. This reactor is designed to achieve upgraded biogas by converting CO2 to biomethane in one single reactor, integrating microbial and electrochemical processes. This gives a dual benefit: increased methane content in biogas and increased methane production. By use of the BIOUP, the percentage of methane gas produced can increase from approximately 60% to over 90%. A secondary yet important feature is the oxidation of toxic gasses in the end-product of biogas factories.

We have spoken to industry actors in the relevant value chain and to investors for whom this technology is relevant, in order to gain valuable insight in the technological status and business potential. This information is very useful in order to continue to plan the road-to-market. The results achieved in the Lab tests carried out are in line with our expectations and therefore very satisfactory. This project meets UNSDG 11, 12, 13.