The UK has reached a significant milestone in green energy by becoming the first country to produce hydrogen on a large scale while capturing carbon emissions. The H2Boost project, led by the Biorenewables Development Centre at the University of York, aims to support the UK’s climate goals by providing a sustainable energy source.
Traditional hydrogen production often results in carbon dioxide emissions, creating environmental concerns. However, the H2Boost initiative utilises a process called ‘dark fermentation’ to convert processed organic waste into hydrogen. This method employs bacteria and algae to capture carbon emissions, creating a closed-loop system that reduces waste.
Penny Cunningham, Programme Operations Manager at the Biorenewables Development Centre, remarked, “Successfully demonstrating integrated hydrogen production with carbon capture is a significant technical achievement for the H2Boost project. Our innovative approach to generating clean hydrogen from waste while capturing carbon dioxide is not only feasible but also holds substantial promise for future large-scale sustainable energy solutions.”