A new study published in Green Chemistry has unveiled promising insights into the simultaneous production of green hydrogen and valuable bio-acids from biomass, highlighting both environmental and economic advantages for the chemical industry.
Published by researchers working on the GH2 project, an innovative project funded by the European Union, the European Innovation Council and Innovate UK, the study assessed the environmental impact and economic viability of harnessing biomass to co-produce green hydrogen alongside one of four bio-acid candidates: bio-acids - formic, acetic, lactic, and succinic acids.
The study is particularly pertinent as the chemical industry is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for around 2 percent of total emissions in 2021.
While biomass presents a green alternative to fossil fuels, its limited availability necessitates efficient utilization strategies. Nevertheless, the study suggests that co-producing these valuable chemicals from biomass could be a transformative strategy for sustainable chemical manufacturing.
The article’s lead author, Inga-Marie Lahrsen of ETH Zurich, believes that the study underscores the potential of biomass as a sustainable feedstock for the future manufacture of green hydrogen and bio acids.
Our study investigates pathways to reduce the chemical industry's carbon footprint while enhancing economic performance.
The co-production of hydrogen and bio-acids not only increases resource efficiency but also aligns with global sustainability and decarbonization objectives.
Key Findings:
Climate Impact Reduction: All investigated dehydrogenation multi-product systems demonstrated the potential to reduce climate impacts compared to traditional fossil-based production methods. This is particularly relevant as the chemical industry seeks pathways to meet global decarbonization goals.
Economic Viability: The study indicated that these systems could become profitable, with higher carbon taxes further improving economic potential. Given the growing global focus on carbon pricing mechanisms, industries investing in this technology may see long-term financial benefits.
Acetic Acid Superiority: Among the bio-acids studied, acetic acid co-production emerged as the most promising, offering potential benefits across various environmental impact categories when compared to both fossil and green benchmarks. The study suggests that acetic acid produced through this method could outperform existing green alternatives in terms of sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Burden Shifts: Biomass-based processes carry some intrinsic risk of eutrophication and land use, and should therefore be balanced carefully against all environmental benefits.
Implications for Industry:
This study underscores the potential of biomass as a sustainable feedstock, offering a viable pathway to reduce the chemical industry's carbon footprint while enhancing economic performance. The co-production of hydrogen and bio-acids not only increases resource efficiency but also aligns with global sustainability and decarbonization objectives.
By leveraging biomass-derived chemicals, companies can reduce their reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets, decrease operational emissions, and future-proof their processes against tightening environmental regulations.
Additionally, the ability to generate both hydrogen and bio-acids from the same feedstock improves production efficiency and profitability, making it an attractive option for industries seeking both economic and environmental gains.
As regulatory pressures increase and markets shift towards greener alternatives, industries that adopt this dual-production approach could gain a competitive edge. The integration of biomass-derived chemicals into existing production frameworks may allow manufacturers to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels while improving profitability. Chemical companies that invest in these processes could also benefit from growing consumer and investor demand for sustainable products.
“Our analysis highlights that multi-product systems can increase benefits compared to single-product systems from both environmental and economic perspectives,” said Lahrsen. “By leveraging biomass in a way that maximizes value, the chemical industry can take significant steps toward a more sustainable future.”