SEMPRE-BIO

SEcuring doMestic PRoduction of cost-Effective BIOmethane

The SEMPRE-BIO project, a European initiative funded by the Horizon Europe programme (HORIZON-CL5-2021-D3-03-16), is a pioneering effort to showcase new and cost-efficient solutions for biomethane production. The project aims to support the circular economy and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, aligning with the European Union’s REPowerEU strategy. Our goals are to increase the cost-effectiveness of the conversion process in biomethane production, diversify biomethane production technologies, and contribute to market uptake.

SEMPRE-BIO’s objective is to turn theoretical models into practical applications within three European Biomethane Innovation Ecosystems (EBIEs). Each EBIE demonstrates different innovative technologies designed for specific feedstocks and biomethane valorization routes:

1. Case Study 1: SEMPRE-BIO employs electrolysis and CO2 biomethanation to convert wastewater into valuable biomethane. This biomethane is then used for public transportation (bio-CNG).
2. Case Study 2: Through a combination of pyrolysis and CO methanation, SEMPRE-BIO efficiently transforms green waste into sustainable biomethane for grid injection (bio-LNG).
3. Case Study 2: Using cryo separation, SEMPRE-BIO processes manure organic waste to generate renewable biomethane and liquid CO2. This biomethane is locally stored as bio-LNG for on-site use, while the CO2 is valorized and converted into biopolymers, biochemicals, and alternative protein sources.

These EBIEs will be established in Baix Llobregat (Spain) for Case Study 1, Bourges (France) for Case Study 2, and Adinkerke (Belgium) for Case Study 3, serving as testing grounds for these innovative technologies.

Furthermore, a comprehensive business plan will be developed for the exploitation and replication of these processes, with an estimated decarbonization potential exceeding 200 million tons of CO2 equivalents annually.

The project, set to run from November 2022 to April 2026, is a collaborative effort involving 16 European partners from 6 different countries with diverse backgrounds and expertise covering the whole biomethane value chain. The consortium is led by Cetaqua Barcelona and includes renowned institutions and companies such as Aigües de Barcelona, CRYO INOX S.L., DBFZ Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum Gemeinnützige GMBH, Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Inveniam Group, Propuls, Sintef, TerraWatt, Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona, Universiteit GENT, BETA Technological Center - Universitat de Vic, BIOGAS-E, Innolab, Naturgy, and NV De Zwanebloem.

In summary, SEMPRE-BIO is a forward-thinking project that aims to revolutionize the production of biomethane, contributing to the European Green Deal’s goals for a sustainable future.

Duration: 1 November 2022 - 30 April 2026