German engineers have collaborated to develop a biotechnological process that converts old wood waste, such as pallets and furniture offcuts, into biohydrogen, a renewable energy source. The process involves breaking down the wood waste into sugars like glucose and xylose, which are then utilized to produce hydrogen through fermentation processes involving bacteria and microalgae. This innovative project, funded with €12m by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, aims to cater to the demand for green hydrogen in the Black Forest region of southwest Germany. The researchers have found that 1 kg of wood waste can produce 0.2 kg of glucose, subsequently generating 50 liters of hydrogen. Additionally, around 2 kg of CO2 can produce 1 kg of microalgae biomass, which can be utilized to make starch and plastic products. The project, known as H2Wood – BlackForest, initiated in 2021, is focused on utilizing wood waste from the region as a local hydrogen resource, demonstrating the commitment to sustainable energy practices. With the development of a hydrogen roadmap and plans to match wood waste quantity to the local demand, the project envisions integrating green hydrogen into various sectors like industry, transport, household, and buildings. The establishment of a modular pilot plant with bioreactors and the upcoming biorefinery on Campus Schwarzwald indicates a significant step towards operational facilities dedicated to the production of biohydrogen from wood waste, showcasing the potential of locally sourced renewable energy for industrial applications.