Biohydrogen from wood waste
A new path to green energy is emerging in the Black Forest. Wood waste is turned into biohydrogen. Researchers are developing a biotechnological process that promotes the wood-based circular economy. From 2025, a modular pilot plant will test the innovative process for renewable hydrogen production and strengthen the region's hydrogen economy.
Wood waste, which previously usually had to be incinerated or disposed of at great expense, is becoming a valuable resource. In the joint project H2Wood-BlackForest, Fraunhofer researchers and partners are researching new processes for the production of biohydrogen from residual and waste wood. The biotechnological approach uses hydrogen-producing bacteria and microalgae to exploit the full potential of wood waste.
The aim of the project is to generate sustainable energy and reduce CO₂ emissions. The separation of wood into its components plays a central role in this. Cellulose is converted into sugar, which serves as a substrate for bacteria. The process generates hydrogen and CO₂, which is used in a further step to produce microalgae. These algae in turn produce pigments, starch and hydrogen.
Pilot plant to start in 2025
The process has a modular structure and combines innovative technologies such as the pre-treatment of wood waste by separating the wood fibers from lignin and pollutants. Fermentation, in which bacteria convert sugar into hydrogen and CO₂, and microalgae production, in which CO₂ serves as food for algae that produce pigments and biomass. “By using wood waste, we are creating a closed, sustainable cycle,” explains Dr. Ursula Schliessmann, Deputy Director of the Fraunhofer IGB. The modular pilot plant, which is due to go into operation at the Black Forest campus in 2025, offers ideal conditions for testing and further developing new technologies.
Hydrogen roadmap for the Black Forest region
Parallel to the research project, the partners are analyzing the hydrogen potential in the Black Forest region. The hydrogen roadmap shows how the regional demand for green hydrogen can be met in the areas of industry, transportation and buildings. It formulates clear recommendations for action: The expansion of the regional hydrogen infrastructure, the targeted promotion of research and development and the strengthening of sector coupling should accelerate the integration of hydrogen into the energy transition.
“The Black Forest region has considerable potential for hydrogen production,” explains Vladimir Jelschow from Fraunhofer IPA. However, this potential can only be fully exploited through technological development and the targeted expansion of the infrastructure.
A milestone for the circular economy
The H2Wood project impressively demonstrates how innovative processes can make sustainable use of wood waste as a resource. The production of biohydrogen is not only an alternative to incineration, but is also actively driving forward the energy transition. The modular pilot plant and the hydrogen roadmap are important building blocks for a green, regional hydrogen economy in the Black Forest.