Presentation

In the context of energy transition and the fight against climate change, island territories such as Réunion Island face a twofold challenge: a strong dependence on imported fossil fuels and increased vulnerability to environmental impacts. Decarbonising the transport sector, which is a major emitter of greenhouse gases, is therefore a strategic priority for meeting climate targets and strengthening the territory’s energy autonomy.

Among the solutions being considered, the development of renewable alternative fuels, such as biohydrogen and biomethane, offers promising prospects. The valorisation of local organic waste (green waste, agricultural effluents, agro-industrial by-products) appears to be a relevant lever for producing energy while aligning with a circular economy logic. However, several scientific, technological and economic barriers still limit the deployment of these supply chains at the local level, notably the variability of resources, low biological yields and the lack of a structured hydrogen supply chain.

The H2RUN project – Biohydrogen production from green waste for the transport sector in Réunion Island – is part of this dynamic. It aims to explore and optimise innovative processes for producing biohydrogen and biomethane from local resources, combining dark fermentation, anaerobic digestion and hybrid approaches coupled with water electrolysis. The project draws on an interdisciplinary approach at the interface of biological engineering, environmental sciences and energy economics.

Funded under the ERDF 2021-2027 programme (Climate Energy), the H2RUN project has a budget of €799,743.68, co-financed by the European Union (85%) and the Région Réunion (15%). It is led by the ENERGY-Lab and PIMENT research units, in partnership with the CHEMBIOPRO research laboratory (UR), the BioWooEB research unit (CIRAD) and the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education (Netherlands).

This project thus contributes to the structuring of a local alternative fuel supply chain, in response to the energy, environmental and territorial challenges specific to Réunion Island.