Announcement of the results of the Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) on Hydrothermal Gasification
GRTgaz confirms the success of the Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the hydrothermal gasification sector, conducted as part of the work of the “New Energy Systems” Strategic Committee (CSF NSE). This innovative technology makes it possible to convert a wide range of industrial, urban and agricultural waste into renewable gas from recovered materials that can be injected into the grid to decarbonise usage and recover products such as water, nitrogen and minerals, promoting a circular economy approach.
Call for Expressions Of Interest (EOI) on Hydrothermal Gasification (HG)
The Hydrothermal Gasification EOI, which ran from September to October 2024, attracted a great deal of interest and 24 projects were identified. They are at different stages of maturity and are spread across mainland France, with 10 regions represented. Potentially, these projects could enable recovery of 1.25 million gross tonnes of waste, residues and effluents per year. Their varied inputs are mainly obtained from the food and chemical industries, sludge from local authority wastewater treatment plants, and farmers' residues, effluents and digestates.
These 24 Hydrothermal Gasification projects represent a renewable, low-carbon and recovered gas injection capacity of 2 TWh/year by 2030, equivalent to the heating needs of some 175,000 French homes. Chemical manufacturers in particular are interested in this technology because it provides them with an opportunity to initiate their energy transition, by replacing part of their fossil gas consumption with gas produced from the recovery of their waste: an appealing alternative to current incineration processes.
As well as producing gas, Hydrothermal Gasification recovers the water, nitrogen and minerals (which can be used again as fertilisers) contained in the inputs. This solution contributes to the circular economy and regional resilience by mobilising waste and effluent that is underused or disposed of without recovery through incineration or in landfills.
Map of Hydrothermal Gasification projects identified as part of the HG EOI
These results will enable the industry to continue restructuring with a view to developing and commissioning these first, concrete projects. They will also help government agencies define the framework needed to deploy the potential of Hydrothermal Gasification for the benefit of the circular economy and France's energy transition.
GRTgaz CEO Sandrine Meunier stated:
"The Hydrothermal Gasification call for Expressions Of Interest is a key first step towards industrialising the sector and stepping up the energy and environmental transition of France and its regions. With 24 projects identified, this collective success shows that this technology matches a true need for French manufacturers, local authorities and farmers. GRTgaz is committed to supporting project developers by helping them gain access to the grid in order to contribute to the development of this promising sector."
Aurélie Picart, General Delegate of the CSF NSE, expressed:
"Hydrothermal gasification is particularly interesting because it can help decarbonise industrial activities. The responses to the call for Expressions Of Interest (EOI) on Hydrothermal Gasification attest to French expertise in this promising solution for treating various types of waste while producing renewable energy. It can also contribute to the New Energy Systems CSF's goal of developing the energy transition industry in France and Europe, if we collectively succeed – as with other technologies – in lowering the costs of deploying it."
The Hydrothermal Gasification sector
Hydrothermal gasification is an innovative technology that converts liquid, wet and dry waste that can be mixed with water into gas. It is fully in step with the circular economy and the decarbonisation roadmaps of French economic players. It represents a relevant alternative to conventional waste treatment and recovery methods, such as incineration and landfill, for manufacturers, local authorities and their operators, as well as farmers.
Hydrothermal gasification produces energy that can be substituted for fossil gas without modifying the grids or usage, and recovers reusable materials such as minerals, water and nitrogen. It also significantly reduces the carbon footprint (by at least 80% with biogenic waste) and the environmental impact (by up to 100%) compared to current benchmark processes.
The hydrothermal gasification sector in France and Europe has reached a stage of technological maturity that will enable the construction and commissioning of the first industrial plants in France as early as 2027.
