METACON MONOPROSOPI ANONYMI ETAIREIA

Their core work

Metacon S.A. (operating as Helbio) is a Greek technology SME specializing in hydrogen generation and fuel reforming systems. They develop multi-fuel power systems with combined heat and power (CHP) capability, converting various fuel sources — including natural gas, biogas, and waste-derived fuels — into clean hydrogen and electricity. Their core technology enables decentralized energy production for both stationary and automotive-derivative applications. They also contribute expertise in catalytic processes for converting waste streams into next-generation biofuels.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Metacon's H2020 portfolio is concentrated in 2015–2019, making temporal evolution limited. Their trajectory shows a consistent deepening of hydrogen and fuel reforming expertise rather than a pivot. They began with feasibility testing of their multi-fuel CHP system (PROMETHEUS-5 Phase 1, 2015) and scaled to full development (Phase 2, 2016–2019), while simultaneously contributing fuel processing know-how to consortium projects in automotive energy and waste-derived biofuels.

Metacon is moving from R&D validation toward market-ready hydrogen generation products, positioning them for the growing European hydrogen economy.

How they like to work

Metacon operates as both a project leader and a contributing specialist. Their successful progression through both SME Instrument phases (Phase 1 → Phase 2) for PROMETHEUS-5 demonstrates they can define and drive a product development roadmap independently. As a participant in AutoRE and WASTE2FUELS, they slot in as a technology provider within larger consortia. With 30 unique partners across 11 countries from just 4 projects, they integrate well into diverse European teams.

Metacon has built a network of 30 partners across 11 countries through just 4 projects, indicating involvement in mid-to-large consortia. Their partnerships span the European energy research landscape with no single dominant geographic cluster.

What sets them apart

Metacon is one of few Greek SMEs with proprietary fuel reforming technology validated through the full EU SME Instrument pipeline. Their ability to handle multiple fuel inputs (natural gas, biogas, waste-derived fuels) in a single system makes them a versatile technology partner for decentralized energy projects. For consortium builders, they bring both hardware development capability and deep catalytic process expertise — a rare combination in an SME.

Highlights from their portfolio

• PROMETHEUS-5
  Successfully advanced through both SME Instrument Phase 1 (€50K feasibility) and Phase 2 (€1.2M development), validating their multi-fuel CHP system for market readiness.
• AutoRE
  Largest consortium project (2015–2019), applying fuel cell and reforming technology to automotive-derivative energy systems with a €757K contribution.
• WASTE2FUELS
  Extends their fuel processing expertise into circular economy territory — converting waste streams into biofuels, broadening their application range beyond hydrogen.