Renewable molecules play an important role in the transition to sustainable use of energy and raw materials. Renewable molecules are molecules that originate from sources that are naturally replenished and will never deplete, such as organic waste streams. These waste streams are a promising source of renewable molecules, provided they are converted efficiently and effectively. To achieve this, we need to develop processes that integrate biochemical, chemical and biological technologies and enable upscaling. This is what we do at the REMO Lab.
The REMO Lab is a state-of-the-art research facility run by Entrance – Centre of Expertise Energy and the Researche Centre Biobased Economy. The lab focuses on designing, testing and validating innovative technologies for the sustainable production of renewable molecules. In this lab, we integrate fermentation and electrolysis processes (fermolysis) and other advanced chemical processes. We also investigate possibilities for scaling up these processes to larger volumes, making these technologies suitable for large-scale industrial application. As such, they can make an important contribution to the energy transition.
The starting point for the practical research conducted at the REMO Lab is the reuse of raw materials for the production of relevant molecules. Residual flows from plants, manure, food and wastewater contain organic substances that can be converted into valuable products. These can be energy carriers (methane and hydrogen), raw materials or nutrients (green platform chemicals such as fatty acids and ethylene) or fertilisers (such as phosphates and nitrates). By utilising residual flows, we contribute to a circular economy and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. The electricity required for the conversion processes preferably comes from renewable sources.
The basis of the REMO lab is the anaerobic digestion (AD) of manure. This is a process that converts organic material into biogas, which is then treated and fed into the gas grid as green gas. This post-treatment mainly involves the removal of moisture, sulphur and CO2. This mature process has been in commercial use for decades. The REMO Lab expands this basic technology with biochemical and electrochemical processes. One of these innovations is the coupling of CO2 from anaerobic digesters with hydrogen from ammonia electrolysis. This integrated approach enables the direct conversion of these raw materials into green gas, which offers a range of benefits:
The REMO programme is carried out in the REMO Lab in the form of practical and demand-driven projects. This involves close collaboration with businesses and government bodies. In addition, the connection with education is strengthened through the involvement of students and professors/researchers. In addition to the technical aspect, economic, legal, social and communication aspects are also taken into account to ensure that solutions are truly applicable.
