United Utilities, in partnership with climate technology company Levidian, is leading a pioneering trial using wastewater gas to produce low-carbon hydrogen and solid graphene.
Clean hydrogen from biogas with LOOP technology
Thanks to support from the BECCS Hydrogen Innovation Program, Levidian’s LOOP reactor uses electromagnetic waves to split methane into two elements: hydrogen and carbon . The latter is captured in solid form as graphene, eliminating carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
[post_relacionado]The resulting hydrogen fuels part of the internal generation plant, while the graphene produced is used for multiple industrial applications.
Energy impact and circular economy
According to estimates by both companies, this technology has the potential to produce up to 75,000 tons of clean hydrogen annually, equivalent to covering 40% of the country’s bus and coach journeys . At the same time, the graphene generated can extend the lifespan of tires, reinforce concrete, improve batteries, and optimize the performance of solar panels.
This solution is part of a circular economy. Organic waste from the sewage system, traditionally a liability, is transformed into raw energy and high-value-added materials.
The project has a broad scope. United Utilities already injects part of its biogas into the national grid and plans to expand LOOP technology to other plants in the Northwest. In addition, synergies with local initiatives such as the use of hydrogen in commercial vehicles (ULEMCo), the transition of the glass industry at Pilkington Glass, and the blending of hydrogen with natural gas in domestic networks led by Cadent are being studied.
Technological convergence for net zero
Levidian CEO John Hartley emphasizes that this production route not only reduces emissions but could also allow the UK to access the most affordable hydrogen on the market. By monetizing graphene, the resulting hydrogen becomes cheaper, solving one of the major challenges facing this energy source: its cost.
Since its founding in 1894, the Davyhulme plant has been a global benchmark for wastewater treatment innovation. Today, it is once again at the heart of the country’s energy and climate transformation.
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Source and photo: Levidian