SMASH Technology shortlisted for ADBA Innovation Award

ALPS Ecoscience and Ixora Energy (now Engie) are delighted to announce their shortlisting for an Innovation award by The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA). The “AD Research and Innovation Awards” for 2024 has recognised the collaborative efforts of ALPS and Ixora Energy in demonstrating Dark Fermentation of agricultural feedstocks at a commercial scale. This breakthrough has introduced a novel method for producing biohydrogen and significantly enhanced biomethane conversion rates. The innovative technology, known as SMASH, is poised to transform traditional anaerobic digestion industry models by enabling biogas plants to extract substantially more gas from the same amount of feedstock.

AD Research and Innovation Awards 2024

The ADBA Awards 2024, hosted by the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA), celebrate innovation and excellence within the anaerobic digestion and bioresources sector. These awards highlight remarkable achievements and advancements, acknowledging the contributions of individuals, research projects, and sustainable practices. For a complete list of award categories and shortlists, click here. Among this year’s shortlisted nominees is ALPS Ecoscience, recognised in the innovation award category for its pioneering SMASH technology in collaboration with Ixora Energy (Engie).

Introducing SMASH

“SMASH” stands for substrate micronisation, assimilation, stabilisation, and hydrolysis, encapsulating ALPS’ patented technology. SMASH is the latest advancement in anaerobic digestion, emerging from biohydrogen research to enhance fermentation efficiency and diversify feedstock options, thereby improving the return on investment for biogas plants. ALPS Ecoscience has successfully demonstrated the capability to ferment biohydrogen while simultaneously doubling the biomethane yield from residual feedstock.

Enhanced Conversion Efficiency

At the heart of SMASH deployments is a patented process that includes pretreatment and dual-stage fermentation to extract more gas from cellulosic materials, which typically remain undigested in conventional anaerobic digestion processes. This process allows clients to significantly increase biogas quality and yield, use less feedstock, or switch to a more cost-effective mix. SMASH is a containerised solution, making it adaptable for retrofitting into existing biogas plants as well as new builds.

Case Study Results: Proving SMASH’s Potential

A recent case study highlighted the transformative impact of SMASH technology. By implementing SMASH, a commercial-scale biogas plant achieved a 50% increase in biomethane production and began generating biohydrogen, opening new revenue streams and operational efficiencies. The plant’s ability to handle a broader range of feedstocks has resulted in reduced operational costs and a more sustainable energy output.

Conclusion

SMASH represents a significant leap forward in anaerobic digestion technology. Biogas plants incorporating SMASH will redefine biomethane output levels within the industry and have the potential to expand into green hydrogen production, catering to emerging markets such as gas grid injection, district heating, and vehicle fuel supply.

Please contact ALPS Ecoscience here for additional information and case studies.