In a landmark collaboration, ALPS Ecoscience UK Limited and Ixora Energy are poised to transform the landscape of the UK’s renewable energy sector through the commercialisation of biohydrogen production. The strategic partnership brings together ALPS’ cutting-edge Smash Biohydrogen Technology and Ixora’s forward-thinking approach to sustainable energy innovation. The inaugural installation of this revolutionary technology is taking place at Ixora’s biogas plant at Frogmary Green Farm in South Petherton, Somerset, UK.

ALPS Ecoscience has been a trailblazer in sustainable waste management and renewable energy solutions, specialising in state-of-the-art anaerobic digestion technology. In parallel, Ixora Energy, under the leadership of the Darren Stockley and Mark Voss, has been at the forefront of innovations in the biogas industry, collaborating widely and exploring new frontiers in renewable energy generation with industry and academia.

The SMASH Biohydrogen Technology

At the heart of this collaboration lies the SMASH Biohydrogen Technology, a pioneering solution developed by ALPS Ecoscience. Sequential Multiple Anaerobic Stages with Hydrogen (SMASH): SMASH technology, pioneered by ALPS, combines multiple anaerobic stages with the integration of hydrogen fermentation to enhance substrate conversion efficiency and boost biogas production.

This cutting-edge technology harnesses the power of dark fermentation in anaerobic digestion systems, facilitating the production of biohydrogen from organic waste. The process involves the separation of the hydrogen production stage from the biogas stream, creating a sustainable and clean energy source. The technology was patented by ALPS after winning a Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) Hydrogen BECCS competition grant in 2022.

Dark fermentation, a microbial process, occurs in the absence of light and oxygen. It initiates the breakdown of organic compounds into simpler substances, releasing hydrogen as a by-product. The SMASH technology platform optimises this process within existing anaerobic digestion infrastructure, allowing for the seamless integration of commercialised biohydrogen production into established biogas plants. Consequently, increasing overall feedstock conversion efficiency resulting in more biomethane and biohydrogen.

Advantages for the Biogas Industry

The incorporation of SMASH Biohydrogen Technology into biogas plants offers multifaceted advantages to the biogas industry.

1. Improved conversion efficiency

SMASH divides the anaerobic digestion process into multiple stages, allowing for better control and optimisation of microbial activities. It leads to improved biogas yields and more efficient conversion of organic waste as each transitional stage within AD is optimised. (see great diagram from ADBA via link at end of this post). It is the separation and optimisation of the process steps that enables both biohydrogen to be extracted and methane conversion to increase. Giving more energy recovery from the same feedstock with minimal increase in parasitic load.

2. Product diversification

The collaboration between ALPS Ecoscience and Ixora Energy extends beyond conventional biogas production. It introduces a new operating model for the industry, where commercial biohydrogen production becomes an integral component of the renewable energy ecosystem. This diversification not only ensures a more resilient energy portfolio but also opens doors to emerging markets in sustainable green fuels and supports global Net Zero targets.

3. Nutrient recovery

The SMASH technology platform removes inhibitory elements such as ammonia from the biogas production process. Enabling feedstocks like chicken litter to be feed in higher volumes, reducing input costs as well as creating new opportunities in the supply of green chemicals like ammonium sulphate.

The First Installation at Frogmary Green Farm

Ixora Energy’s biogas plant at Frogmary Green Farm in South Petherton, UK, serves as the inaugural site for the installation of ALPS’ SMASH Biohydrogen Technology. This strategic choice reflects the commitment of both companies to showcase the practical application of this ground-breaking technology in a real-world setting.

Mark Voss, the driving force behind the project and a champion of innovation, has been instrumental in steering Ixora Energy towards sustainable and efficient practices in the biogas industry. Under his leadership, Ixora has become a pioneer in embracing cutting-edge technologies to enhance energy production while maintaining a strong focus on environmental sustainability.

The modular technology has been implemented in 3 phases, consisting of feedstock preparation, dark fermentation, and ammonia recovery. The results from the feedstock preparation phase show an initial conversion efficiency improvement of over 10%. This is consistent with the feasibility study and dark fermentation step is also performing to plan, achieving 52% hydrogen. When the final, ammonia removal phase is commissioned next month, the impact of the contagious system with be cumulative.

A Three-Year Journey of Innovation

The collaboration between ALPS Ecoscience and Ixora Energy is the result of a three-year journey of collaboration on various innovation projects. The longstanding partnership has allowed both companies to leverage their combined expertise and resources, leading to the development and refinement of the SMASH Biohydrogen Technology.

Biohydrogen and Ammonia Sulphate: A Sustainable Future

The collaboration does not stop at biohydrogen production alone. By extending their production capabilities into ammonia sulphate, a valuable fertiliser, the partnership is addressing the demand for sustainable solutions in agriculture. This move aligns with global efforts to reduce dependence on artificial fertilisers, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to food production.

Conclusion: Paving the Way for a Greener Future

ALPS Ecoscience UK Limited and Ixora Energy’s collaboration is an example of continual innovation in the renewable energy sector. The integration of SMASH Biohydrogen Technology into Ixora’s biogas plant is a pivotal moment. Demonstrating the commercialisation of biohydrogen from DESNZ incubated R&D and showcasing the wider potential of the biogas industry and anaerobic digestion technology to contribute to green transition and the Net Zero targets. This strategic partnership not only showcases the potential for  biohydrogen commercialisation but also sets the stage for a more resilient and adaptable biogas industry.

To learn more about Alps Ecoscience innovations in green fuel production, nutrient recovery, and emissions reduction please get in touch here. To learn more about Anaerobic Digestion visit the industry body, the ADBA.