The SynBioRes research project was launched on September 1. SynBioRes is developing an integrated, practical value chain for the utilization of liquid and dry biomass residues.
The project is an international collaboration between the three German research institutions Fraunhofer IPK, Fraunhofer UMSICHT, and Ruhr University Bochum, with the DGMK serving as the coordinating partner, as well as, on the Brazilian side, the Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas in São Paulo and the Associação Brasileira de Energia Eólica (ABEEólica).
SynBioRes is developing an integrated, practical value chain for the utilization of liquid and dry biomass residues. By combining dark and photofermentation, thermocatalytic reforming (TCR), and co-electrolysis, the process produces hydrogen (H2), syngas, alcohols, bio-oil, and biochar are produced and utilized for the production of sustainable fuels (e.g., Sustainable Aviation Fuel, SAF). Methodological objectives include the coupling of dark and photobioreactors for bio-H₂ production, the optimization of the TCR process in terms of robustness when using biomass residues, and the development of scalable electrolyzer systems with copper catalysts for the conversion of syngas/CO₂ into higher-value alcohols at industrially relevant current densities.
The project aims to develop standardized protocols, quality criteria for biochar and alcohol streams, a library of optimized catalyst and electrolyzer combinations, and practical reactor systems. In addition, the package includes validated datasets on co-electrolysis, a trained neural network, techno-economic analyses, life cycle assessments, and a freely accessible white paper to disseminate the results.
Through its integrated, circular-economy-oriented approach, SynBioRes strengthens regional value creation, reduces emissions, and produces marketable intermediate products.