Innovative Project in Manchester Converts Sewage Waste into Clean Hydrogen and Graphene
Key Ideas
- United Utilities and Levidian collaborate to demonstrate the production of hydrogen and graphene from biogas generated from sewage waste in Manchester.
- The project, supported by the UK government, has the potential to produce up to 75,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually, aiding in the country's transition to net zero emissions.
- Hydrogen produced can be utilized as a clean fuel for industrial processes, in zero carbon transport, or blended into the national gas network for reduced emissions in heating and cooking.
- The aim is to scale up the technology to increase hydrogen production at wastewater treatment sites across the North West region.
United Utilities and Levidian have initiated a groundbreaking project in Manchester to convert gas from sewage waste into clean hydrogen and graphene. By utilizing Levidian's LOOP device, methane gas from wastewater is split into hydrogen and solid carbon, in the form of graphene. The generated hydrogen can potentially fuel over 40% of the UK's bus and coach journeys annually, contributing significantly to the country's net zero goals.
The graphene produced in this process has wide-ranging applications, from enhancing the durability of tires and reducing the carbon footprint of concrete to improving battery and solar panel performance. This innovative approach not only addresses waste management but also aligns with sustainability objectives.
Tom Lissett, the Bioresource and Green Energy Director at United Utilities, emphasized the importance of this trial as a world-first endeavor that showcases Manchester's commitment to environmental innovation. The project leverages existing infrastructure at the wastewater treatment works, further demonstrating the potential for circular economy principles.
Levidian's CEO, John Hartley, highlighted the significance of producing cost-effective hydrogen to support the UK's journey towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The collaboration aims to revolutionize hydrogen production through the scalable implementation of the LOOP technology.
In addition to producing hydrogen and graphene, the project paves the way for exploring further applications of the technology across other wastewater treatment sites in the North West. This venture signifies a step forward in leveraging renewable resources for sustainable energy production and reducing carbon emissions.