Unlocking unused bio-WASTE resources with loW cost cleAning and Thermal inTegration with Solid oxide fuel cells
WASTE2WATTS (W2W) is a Horizon 2020 funded research project that develops an innovative integrated biogas-Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) combined heat and power (CHP) system. The key innovation is minimal gas pre-processing achieved through low-cost, efficient biogas cleaning combined with optimal thermal integration between cleaning unit and high-temperature SOFC stack.
By significantly reducing capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational costs (OPEX), the project makes small-to-medium scale (5–100 kWe) biogas-to-electricity systems economically viable — especially in rural/agricultural areas with abundant bio-waste but limited grid access or high upgrading costs.
Novel sorbents and filters remove H₂S, siloxanes, VOCs and other pollutants to SOFC-acceptable levels without expensive traditional methods.
Target >55% electrical and >85% total efficiency thanks to advanced heat recovery and system integration.
Prototype system (5–10 kWe) tested with real agricultural biogas for extended operation (>1000 hours).
Techno-economic analysis, life-cycle assessment, business models and exploitation strategy to accelerate EU-wide adoption of biogas-SOFC technology.
Funded by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (now Clean Hydrogen Partnership) under Grant Agreement No. 826344.