Context
BE-MARS (Biogas Electrically-Managed Membrane Assisted Reforming System) is a PNRR-funded project aimed at developing innovative technologies for the production of renewable hydrogen from biogas and biomethane. The project is based on the MACBETH demonstrator, a pilot plant equipped with a fluidized-bed reactor incorporating integrated palladium-silver (Pd-Ag) membranes, capable of combining the reforming reaction and hydrogen separation within a single system, thereby increasing process efficiency and overall hydrogen yield.
Project Objectives
Develop an innovative technology for the production of renewable hydrogen from biogas and biomethane.
Integrate membrane reactors with electrified thermal management systems powered by renewable energy sources.
Validate a high-efficiency process capable of combining chemical conversion and hydrogen separation within the same reactor.
Promote the development of modular and scalable solutions for the sustainable production of hydrogen.
Project Phases
- Restoration and recommissioning of the MACBETH demonstrator, including the recovery of the pilot plant.
- Functional validation of the system to verify its operational performance.
- Upgrade of the control and safety systems to meet the project’s new functional requirements.
- Integration of the electrified thermal management system, designed to operate using renewable energy sources.
- Industrialization of the technology, with the objective of enabling future industrial-scale deployment.
Role of ICI Powering Evolution
ICI Powering Evolution acted as the industrial partner responsible for the project’s industrialization activities. In particular, the company managed the restoration and recommissioning of the MACBETH pilot plant, the functional validation of the entire system, the upgrade of the control and safety systems, and the integration of the new electrified thermal management system. Through these activities, ICI contributed to the engineering development of the technology and prepared it for future industrial scale-up, reinforcing its role in the development of innovative and sustainable energy solutions.
