Efficient Green Hydrogen Production from Sugar Cane Waste using SECLG Process
Key Ideas
  • SECLG process simulation at the University of Johannesburg shows high energy efficiency and low by-product yields compared to conventional gasification methods.
  • SECLG has the potential to significantly reduce operational costs and produce high-purity green hydrogen from biomass like bagasse.
  • Research suggests that SECLG could benefit countries with existing biomass infrastructure, such as China, Brazil, and South Africa, by offering a more efficient way to produce green hydrogen.
  • The study indicates that optimizing oxygen carriers like nickel oxide in SECLG could lead to higher hydrogen purity and better carbon capture, opening up the possibility of producing transportation fuels alongside hydrogen.
A recent study from the University of Johannesburg explores the efficient production of green hydrogen from crushed sugar cane waste through the Sorption-Enhanced Chemical Looping Gasification (SECLG) process. Traditional biomass gasification methods have been found to be inefficient in terms of energy usage and by-product yields. The SECLG process simulation demonstrated high energy efficiency and low levels of unwanted by-products like tar, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. This method has the potential to aid in the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries such as steel and cement. SECLG offers a more effective way to gasify biomass, resulting in higher purity green hydrogen production and better carbon capture compared to current industry practices. The study's mathematical model and Aspen Plus simulation revealed that SECLG could achieve hydrogen yields of 62-69% with minimal tar and nitrogen content. The research highlights the importance of tuning with oxygen carriers like nickel oxide to enhance hydrogen purity and carbon capture in the SECLG process. Countries with existing biomass infrastructure, such as China, Brazil, and South Africa, stand to benefit the most from adopting SECLG due to easier retrofitting of technologies and lower costs compared to building new SECLG plants. Although SECLG shows promise, challenges remain in terms of scalability and operational requirements. Further experiments are planned to validate the simulation models and address issues like oxygen carrier degradation and material separation. The study emphasizes the need for investment in infrastructure and industry collaboration to realize the full potential of SECLG technology for sustainable hydrogen and transportation fuel production.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.