LIFE REPTES

The LIFE REPTES project «Renewable bio-hydrogen production technologies from lignocellulosic waste and sewage sludge co-fermentation» (GA 101074329) aims to reduce the massive emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) and particulate matter from burning rice straw, which affects the quality of life of nearby populations, by implementing a new circular model that integrates the production of biohydrogen from pre-treated lignocellulosic by-products and WWTP sludge through a dark fermentation process. In the Albufera Natural Park (Spain), between 5 and 6 tonnes of straw are produced annually from each of the 14,700 hectares under cultivation. The management of this bio-waste entails a high economic cost for farmers when techniques other than burning or burying are used. The Albufera park accounts for around 20% of the rice straw at national level, with Spain being the second largest rice producing country in the EU. The new circular model proposed by LIFE REPTES allows the rice straw, together with sewage sludge, to be used for the production of renewable gaseous biofuels (biohydrogen and biogas) thanks to the application of a combination of technologies. The project, developed within the framework of the European Union’s Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE), has a duration of 5 years, from 1 August 2022 to 31 January 2026, and a total budget of 1,646,711.81 euros, with 60% co-financing from the European Commission.