Production of Renewable Hydrogen from Biomass Using Supercritical Water Gasification

Abstract

Production of hydrogen from renewable energy sources is an important technology for achievement of the sustainable society. In this paper, hydrogen production from biomass using supercritical water gasification is discussed. Supercritical water is a state of water whose temperature is above its critical temperature, and whose pressure is above its critical pressure. When biomass is treated in supercritical water, decomposition of biomass takes place, resulting in hydrogen rich gas. Since the reaction takes place in “water”, the biomass feedstock is not needed to be dry. Since it is a thermochemical conversion, relatively quick and complete gasification is possible. The principle and current situation of the supercritical water gasification are introduced.