There are opportunities for an innovative pathway to low-cost, industrial-grade hydrogen-rich syngas for HILT Core partners, by gasification of refuse-derived fuel, which is low-cost feedstock with low net intensity of CO₂. This opportunity has arisen due to a confluence of synergistic effects, notably:

• The opportunity to significantly increase the use of RDF in these processes above the current limits by converting it to a syngas
• The recent development to pilot-scale of several emerging gasification technologies with strong potential to utilise RDF, which can be low-cost or even cost-negative because it avoids the current option of the high-cost landfill disposal route
• Access to a local partner with a proven record in recovering RDF at a scale and cost relevant to high-temperature industrial processes as a commercial business
• The compatibility of heavy industry as an appropriate user of syngas as a fuel, which is a challenging fuel for many conventional users to harness

Blending of alternative low-carbon fuels for current high temperature processes

The expected project outcomes and deliverables include:

• Better understanding of the potential scale, cost and net-CO₂ emissions of RDF to contribute to the low-carbon transition for HILT partners
• Engagement of partners with potential to deliver commercial solutions
• A clear understanding of the syngas impurities that arise from RDF gasification, and how technology selection can manage these risks for CRC partners
• A clear path forward for demonstrating RDF gasification in CRC industrial processes
• More potential pathways for CRC partners to decarbonise their processes, decreasing the sole reliance on the development of green H₂ supply chains
• Good understanding of the research needs and opportunities to accelerate the implementation of RDF as an industrial fuel

RP2.010 Project Summary – Utilisation of RDF in industrial processes: understanding the value proposition, risks & supply chains