In the field of bioeconomy, we develop strategically significant processes for utilising biogenic resources from wastewater treatment to produce green substitutes for fossil-based materials. Our focus is on the valorisation and transformation of renewable carbon from biogas, sewage sludge and co-substrates. Of high relevance at both national and European level is meeting the growing demand for renewable and biogenic base chemicals in the chemical industry, as well as the use of chemical storage molecules as hydrogen and energy carriers. In our research projects, we utilize sewage sludge, biogenic residue and biogas as feedstocks for alternative synthesis pathways. In the area of biogas utilisation, we develop solutions that make both the CH₄ and CO₂ fractions of biogas usable. The utilisation of CO₂ as a carbon sink is a research topic of high practical relevance. The overarching goal is the transformation of wastewater treatment plants from pure energy consumers into active participants for the transition towards renewable energy and molecules, networked synergistically with other energy-intensive sectors.
Synergy with Systems Analysis and Process Development
Our work in bioeconomy builds on close integration with findings from energy systems analysis and sustainable energy process engineering. This results in a comprehensive picture in which systemic analyses, energy engineering processes and bioeconomic approaches are considered in an integrated manner. A central focus lies on the development and piloting of processes for converting bio- or sewage gas into higher-value carbon products. These include biomethane produced via innovative membrane separation and fermentation, as well as heterogeneous-catalytic conversion of CO₂ and autothermally reformed CH₄ – yielding versatile liquid base chemicals such as methanol, which can be used as hydrogen and energy carriers as well as e-fuels. In the scope of the projects E-BO2t, E-MetO and the consortium project BioMeSyn (all funded by the BMWE), we research, develop and pilot processes for the efficient conversion of these gaseous resource streams. The goal is the production of electricity-based, and in future fully renewable, chemicals and energy carriers that can be established as substitutes for fossil raw materials.
Resources and Transfer
The interconnection of different sectors increases system complexity, but also offers potential for resource cascading and the establishment of a circular economy. One example is the linking of energy generation and resource management through the thermal utilisation of sewage sludge with subsequent phosphorus recovery. The BioMeSyn research project builds on successful predecessor projects such as WaStraK and GREEN-BEE, in which the thermochemical conversion of sewage gas to methanol was investigated. The successful results – particularly the piloting of the methanol production process – are being further developed as part of a currently funded IGF project by the BMWE at FiW. This is also driving an increasing transfer of knowledge and technology from our developments into the agricultural and biogas sectors, where sustainable solutions for the energetic and material valorisation of biogas are equally relevant.
B2M Raman
Optimisation of the dynamic Biogas-to-Methanol-Process using inline Raman spectroscopy
MoreHydrogen-based sector coupling between water, energy, and transportation
E-BO(2)t – Production of electrolysis-based methanol fuels and oxygen utilization in wastewater treatment at the WWTP Bottrop
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E-MetO
Elektrolyse mit Nutzung von Brauchwasser als Schnittstelle zwischen biologischer Methanisierung und Ozonierung
MoreecReUse | South Africa
Enhancing Resource Use Efficiency in South Africa through Water Reuse and Sustainable Energy Production at Wastewater Treatment Plants
MoreMethanol synthesis from sewage gas
GREEN-BEE - Market- and product-oriented further development of the concept for synthesizing methanol from sewage gas
MoreKARL – EU-Kommunalabwasserrichtlinie
Wir unterstützen Sie auf dem Weg zu Ihrer zukunftsorientierten Kläranlage
MoreMethanol: The renewable Fuel that drives us tomorrow
Methanolstandard – Examination of the technical foundations for standardizing methanol fuels in Europe
MoreMoniKlär
MoniKlär – Monitoring of wastewater treatment plants to mitigate operational greenhouse gas emissions
MoreAnoxic Biowash for Biogas Desulfurization as a Contribution to the Climate Future
NitroSX – Microbiological Biogas Desulphurisation
MorePower-to-Fuel
New processes for the production of climate-neutral energy sources based on biogas and renewable surplus electricity
Morerender – More renewable energies
Regional dialogue on energy change - together on the way to an energy region
MoreSolar heat for Walheim
SolNahWal – Feasibility study for a fourth-generation heating network system ("Heating network systems 4.0") at Aachen-Walheim
MoreSPIS4FNS | Kenya
SPIS4FNS – Development and Optimization of Solar-Powered Rainwater Harvesting Concepts to Strengthen Food Security in Kenya
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