Call for expressions of interest launched to develop the first industrial hydrothermal gasification projects
GRTgaz, the leading company of the sector’s work on the development of hydrothermal gasification, has launched a call for expressions of interest (CEI) focused on this technology. It falls under the framework of the “New Energy Systems” Sector Strategic Committee’s Biogas Working Group1. The call is open to all project developers from 2 September to 31 October 2024, whether their projects are in the preliminary or more advanced phases. A webinar is to be held on 9 July 2024 to share more details about the CEI and answer questions from project developers. GRTgaz pledges to assist all project developers with their proposals to the CEI throughout the submission process.
Hydrothermal gasification is an innovative technology designed to produce renewable and low-carbon gases.
Complementary to other renewable and low-carbon gases production methods, the process converts and recycles various types of waste (biomass, hazardous and non-hazardous waste) containing or being easily mixed with water. In addition to gas production, hydrothermal gasification also allows to recycle solid (minerals, metals) and liquid (nitrogen-rich water) components contained in the initial waste load.
The purpose of this CEI is to identify projects and gauge interest among project developers for this technology and then to consolidate and share a vision of the sector with the public authorities and various stakeholders. It is in line with the New Energy Systems sector's new 2024–2027 strategic contract to be shortly signed by the government and the sector. The CEI is the first step in defining the appropriate modalities that will enable the commissioning of the first industrial facilities for the production of renewable and low-carbon gas using this innovative technology in France by 2027.
The target for the development of hydrothermal gasification is to reach a renewable and low-carbon gas grid injected gas production capacity of at least 2 TWh/ year by 2030 and at least 12 TWh/year by 2035. According to the National Hydrothermal Gasification Working Group, a grid injectable gas production capacity of at least 50 TWh/year could be achieved by 2050.
According to Robert Muhlke, director of the hydrothermal gasification project at GRTgaz and leader of the National Hydrothermal Gasification Working Group: “The launch of this call for expressions of interest in hydrothermal gasification is in line with a drive to support the sector. GRTgaz pledges to support project developers from industrial, agricultural and urban activities (local authorities) through its technical expertise, communication facilities and capacities to adapt its networks to accommodate new renewable and low-carbon gases.”
1 Created in 2010, the purpose of the Sector Strategic Committees is to develop the industry in France. The Sector Strategic Committees bring together industrial companies, government representatives and trade union organisations within the National Industrial Council, chaired by France’s Prime Minister.
The hydrothermal gasification sector in France
The hydrothermal gasification sector in France and Europe is now technologically mature enough for work to begin on building and commissioning the first industrial facilities in France by 2027. Several manufacturers and local authorities have already announced their intention to start working on concrete projects using this technology in France. Hydrothermal gasification technology is of interest to a wide variety of stakeholders: manufacturers, local authorities and their waste and wastewater treatment providers, environmental protection and waste processing companies, farmers and energy providers.
