AGRI-WASTE2H2
AGRI-WASTE2H2 aims to improve energy efficiency in food production systems, contributing to a green transition. Our focus is on producing renewable commodity chemicals and hydrogen (H2) from agricultural residue, using electricity as a clean driving force. This transformative Power-to-X platform will lower the high carbon footprint associated to agricultural practices, impacting regional environmental and climate goals, as well as enhance the resilience of the Nordic/Baltic region by reducing reliance on imported feedstocks for the chemical industry.
About the project:
The efficient utilisation of bio-based resources is essential for a sustainable future, particularly for achieving a carbon-neutral society. Modern agriculture, a cornerstone of food production systems, stands for a significant share of the global energy demand and CO2 emissions. In addition, the sector generates extensive side-streams such as husks, peels, and straw, that remain underutilised. AGRI-WASTE2H2 aims to change this paradigm by converting such agricultural side-streams into valuable products by development of new electrochemical processes. As such, our research will provide tools for extracting more value from existing bio-based feedstocks by means of (renewable) electricity, enabling the production of sustainable materials, chemicals, and fuels for various industries. Our developments will improve the energy efficiency in the agricultural sector by enhancing its output and reducing the dependence on fossil feedstocks for said product categories, thereby benefitting a green societal transition.
AGRI-WASTE2H2 will focus on straw-derived cellulose – an abundant but underexploited agricultural side-product – as feedstock in an advanced electrolysis process, tailored for enhanced efficiency in the production of green hydrogen with significantly reduced energy consumption compared to standard water electrolysis. This advance aligns with the Hydrogen Economy strategy in Europe and the Nordic-Baltic region and will make a substantial contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, the process will concurrently produce valuable platform chemicals. Here, the key target is glucaric acid, a compound with a wide range of industrial applications, including as a precursor for bio-based nylons and polyesters, which are currently dependent on non-renewable feedstocks.
This ambitious project is a collaborative endeavour, leveraging unique expertise and r sources in the Nordic-Baltic region, renowned for its commitment to renewable energy and sustainable technologies. AGRI-WASTE2H2 represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future, offering significant benefits for society, the environment, and the economy.
Partner institutions
The Electrochemical Materials and Applications (EMA) research group at Aalto University was established in January 2025 as part of the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science (School of Chemical Engineering).
The research mission of the EMA group is to advance clean electrochemical energy and power-to-X technologies, key enablers of a carbon-neutral and sustainable society. We combine fundamental and applied electrochemical materials science, driving innovation in both understanding and practical applications.
Team leader: Daniel Martin Yerga, Assistant Professor in Applied Electrochemistry
Team members involved in AGRI-WASTE2H2:
Xinyue Liu, Doctoral Researcher
Team leader: , Associate Professor in Organic Chemistry
Team members involved in AGRI-WASTE2H2:
To be completed
Team leader: , Assistant Professor
Team members involved in AGRI-WASTE2H2:
To be completed
Project Results
The project is ongoing; we will update this section with the main results as they become available.