Imagine replacing a giant, gas-burning furnace with a compact electric heater, similar to how an electric oven is more efficient than an old wood stove. This technology uses electricity and microwaves to turn biogas into a versatile chemical building block called syngas. It makes the process much smaller and cleaner, cutting out the heavy pollution associated with traditional fossil-fuel burners.
Traditional syngas production relies on large, fossil-fuel-fired burners that are carbon-intensive and bulky. Companies need a way to produce green chemicals like methanol using renewable electricity and biogas without the massive footprint of old reactors.
Two types of electrically-heated catalytic reactors (resistive and microwave heating) and tailored catalyst materials designed to convert biogas to syngas at TRL 6.
If you are a methanol producer dealing with high carbon taxes and fossil-fuel dependence — this project developed electrically-heated reactors that can reduce life-cycle CO2 emissions by 60-80%. This allows for the production of green methanol from renewable biogas.
If you are a biogas plant operator dealing with low-value raw biogas — this project developed a way to convert it into high-value syngas using compact reactors. This bridges the gap between simple gas production and the creation of high-added value chemicals.
If you are an energy company dealing with fluctuating renewable electricity — this project developed resistive and microwave heating technologies for chemical conversion. This allows you to use surplus electricity to produce hydrogen and syngas in reactors that are up to 90% smaller than current units.
Based on available project data, the project includes a techno-economic feasibility assessment to ensure the process is economically viable, though specific price points are not listed.
Yes, the project aims for TRL 6, demonstrating scalable reactor technologies in an industrially relevant environment.
Based on available project data, the consortium includes 8 industrial partners and 4 SMEs to maximize wide exploitation and industrial implementation, though specific licensing terms are not provided.
The technology acts as a bridge between biogas production and downstream conversion into methanol, fuels, and hydrogen.
The technology aims to save 7 Mt CO2/year by 2030 and up to 45 Mt CO2/year by 2045.
The consortium is heavily weighted toward commercial application, with a 50% industry ratio (8 industrial partners, including 4 SMEs). With 16 partners across 8 countries, the project combines academic research (2 universities, 4 research centers) with strong industrial commitment to ensure the TRL 6 demonstration translates into market adoption.
Contact SINTEF AS in Norway for technical specifications on resistive and microwave heating reactors.
Contact us to connect with the eQATOR consortium for licensing and pilot opportunities.
