Context
The energy transition requires the development of new solutions capable of integrating renewable energy sources, industrial processes and increasingly efficient and sustainable energy production systems. In this context, renewable hydrogen and e-fuels are technologies of particular interest for the decarbonisation of sectors that are difficult to electrify directly.
It is within this context that H2NEXUS was developed, a project originating from an initiative by ICI Powering Evolution and developed through collaboration between companies and research institutions, with DBA S.p.A. acting as lead partner and project coordinator.
The project is funded by the Veneto Region under the Veneto ERDF Regional Programme 2021–2027, with total funding of approximately €1.4 million. In addition to DBA and ICI Powering Evolution, the project involves Enphos, E2C Energy To Come, La Dolomiti Ambiente, CNR-ICMATE and the University of Padua.
H2NEXUS focuses in particular on the potential of valorising biogas generated from waste treatment, using the CO₂ contained within it together with renewable hydrogen to develop pathways for the production of sustainable synthetic fuels.
Project objectives
The objective of H2NEXUS is to analyse and identify the most effective technological pathways for converting renewable hydrogen and biogenic CO₂ into sustainable synthetic fuels, with potential applications in road transport and energy production.
The project therefore aims to develop a technological roadmap for e-fuels, assessing the available solutions from different perspectives and highlighting their potential, applicability and sustainability.
A further objective is to define practical guidelines for the industrialisation of the identified solutions and for the modernisation and conversion of existing biogas plants, promoting greater CO₂ valorisation and contributing to the development of a circular economy model.
Particular attention is also devoted to the potential application of the project results to waste treatment plants operating in the area, with a specific focus on the Province of Belluno.
Project phases
H2NEXUS involves an applied research pathway structured around several activities aimed at assessing the feasibility and industrial potential of the technologies under consideration.
Feasibility studies
An initial activity focuses on assessing the feasibility of different technological solutions for the valorisation of renewable hydrogen and CO₂ derived from biogas.
Modelling
The technologies and related processes are analysed through modelling activities, with the aim of understanding their operation and evaluating their performance under different operating conditions.
LCA and LCC analysis
The project includes Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) analyses to assess the environmental and economic aspects of the solutions under consideration, respectively. This makes it possible to combine the assessment of technological performance with an evaluation of overall sustainability.
Experimental validation
The identified solutions undergo experimental validation to verify the practical applicability of the technological pathways studied.
Development of guidelines
The results of the activities contribute to the development of operational guidelines to support the subsequent industrialisation phases and the potential conversion of existing biogas plants.
Role of ICI Powering Evolution
ICI Powering Evolution has played a significant role in the creation and development of the H2NEXUS project, providing expertise in energy, hydrogen and industrial processes.
ICI’s experience contributes to the development of an applied research approach aimed at transforming the opportunities offered by renewable hydrogen and e-fuels into technological pathways that can be concretely assessed from an industrial perspective.
ICI’s contribution is therefore part of a project aimed at creating a concrete roadmap for hydrogen and e-fuels, bringing together research, engineering expertise and industrial applications.
Project funded by the European Union under the Veneto ERDF Regional Programme 2021-2027
Project value: €2,125,624.20, Non-repayable grant: €1,403,816.95