Back to search

ENERGIX-Stort program energi

New hyperthermophilic organisms to increase biogas production

Alternative title: Økt biogassproduksjon fra nye hyperthermofile organismer

Awarded: NOK 10.6 mill.

Project Number:

332080

Project Period:

2022 - 2024

Funding received from:

Partner countries:

Hyperthermics AS has developed a technology using hyperthermophilic microorganisms, to convert industrial biomasses more efficient into biogas. The process consist of two stages: a bioactive hydrolysis step using hyperthermophilic microorganisms prior to a second standard step, the methane producing biogas reactor. Due to the high temperature of approximately 80°C, the Hyperthermics fermentation is able to speed up the overall process and also increase the overall yield of biogas compared to the traditional processes in a combination of specific yield increase and shorter retention time leading to higher troughput and increased profitability. The Hyperthermics technology has been demonstrated in a full-scale pilot and by extensive laboratory experiments on a range of commercial biomasses. This project will develop and apply in-situ sampling of new strains with a novel method using samples of the targeted biomasses in a sampling “trap” at natural sites. Strains identified and verified as a result of this project will be used commercially by Hyperthermics in large scale pilot projects and commercial fermentation plants. By this the market for the Hyperthermics technology will be expanded, which will lead to an increased profitable biogas production.

Hyperthermics AS has developed a technology using hyperthermophilic microorganisms (bacteria or archea), to convert industrial biomasses more efficient into biogas. The process consist of two stages: a bioactive hydrolysis step using hyperthermophilic microorganisms prior to a second standard step, the methane producing biogas reactor. Due to the high temperature of approximately 80°C, the Hyperthermics fermentation is able to speed up the overall process and also increase the overall yield of biogas compared to the traditional processes in a combination of specific yield increase and shorter retention time leading to higher troughput and increased profitability. The Hyperthermics technology has been demonstrated in a full-scale pilot and by extensive laboratory experiments on a range of commercial biomasses. The full scale pilot (10m3 reactor at Lindum AS, Norway) has confirmed the upscaling of the technology but also identified challenges with respect to operational procedures as well as possibilities and limitations with respect to biomass composition and variations. This project targets the limitations of fermentations in the Hyperthermics reactor, - biomass composition and pH and variations thereof, by in-situ sampling of new strains with a novel method using samples of the targeted biomasses in a sampling “trap” at natural sites. Strains identified and verified as a result of this project will be used commercially by Hyperthermics in large scale pilot projects and commercial fermentation plants. By this the market for the Hyperthermics technology will be both confirmed and expanded, which will lead to an increased profitable biogas production.

Funding scheme:

ENERGIX-Stort program energi