Green Hydrogen Production from Biogas or Landfill Gas by Steam Reforming or Dry Reforming: Key Takeaways and Statistics

Strategic Insights -

Research at Niccolo Cusano University in Rome, Italy has provided new insights into the production of green hydrogen from biogas or landfill gas through steam reforming or dry reforming. The study, published in the journal Energies, aimed to evaluate the specific production and energy requirements of these processes. The research was funded by Bando Regione Lazio Avviso Pubblico and conducted by researchers Dhruv Singh, Piero Sirini, and Lidia Lombardi.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) attains higher specific hydrogen yields (0.14-0.19 kg H2/Nm3) with specific energy consumption between 0.048 and 0.075 MWh/kg of H2, especially at increased steam-to-carbon (S/C) ratios.
  • Dry Methane Reforming (DMR) produces less hydrogen than SMR (0.104-0.136 kg H2/Nm3) and requires higher energy inputs (0.072-0.079 MWh/kg H2), making it less efficient.
  • Both processes require an additional 1.4-2.1 Nm3 of biogas/LFG per Nm3 of feed for energy.
  • The study suggests that SMR is a more efficient process for hydrogen production from biogas or landfill gas.
  • The research provides key insights for improving biogas-based hydrogen production for sustainable energy.

Statistics:

  • Specific hydrogen yields: 0.14-0.19 kg H2/Nm3 (SMR) and 0.104-0.136 kg H2/Nm3 (DMR)
  • Specific energy consumption: 0.048-0.075 MWh/kg (SMR) and 0.072-0.079 MWh/kg (DMR)
  • Additional biogas/LFG required per Nm3 of feed: 1.4-2.1 Nm3
  • Hydrogen production rate: dependent on S/C ratio and reforming temperature

Sources:

  • Singh, D., et al. (2025). Green Hydrogen Production from Biogas or Landfill Gas by Steam Reforming or Dry Reforming: Specific Production and Energy Requirements. Energies, 18(10), 2631. (Energies - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/energies)
  • Our news journalists report that more information may be obtained by contacting Dhruv Singh, Engineering Department, Niccolo Cusano University, Via Don Carlo Gnocchi 3, 00166 Rome, Italy.