ELOBIO aims to advance biomass electrolysis as an innovative pathway for producing green hydrogen (low greenhouse gas emissions) and value-added decarbonized chemicals through electrocatalytic oxidation of lignocellulosic biomass-derived molecules. By replacing the energy-intensive oxygen evolution reaction at the anode with the selective oxidation of biomass-based compounds, the project seeks to reduce electricity consumption while co-producing valuable, low-carbon chemicals alongside green hydrogen.

ELOBIO intends to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach using low‑temperature electrolyzers capable of large‑scale production. The prototype system will feature a selective electrocatalytic cathode for the hydrogen evolution reaction and an electrocatalytic anode designed to selectively oxidize biomass‑derived compounds.

To ensure robust sustainability performance, ELOBIO integrates a comprehensive Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) framework covering the environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The full value chain, from biomass feedstock supply to the production of hydrogen and by‑products, is evaluated using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), and Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA). This work, led by ITAS, uses prospective LCA approaches suitable for early‑stage technologies.

The main objectives of the LCSA are:

• Compare the ELOBIO pathway with conventional and emerging hydrogen and chemical production routes in terms of environmental impacts, costs, and relevant social aspects in order to define minimum sustainability performance requirements.
• Identify “hotspots” across the entire life cycle that cause environmental damage, costs, and social risks, and recommend design and operation improvements to meet or exceed the minimum requirements.
• Develop a deployment strategy for the ELOBIO technology.

A key challenge is obtaining complete and quality-assured inventory data, not only for the novel ELOBIO processes (from project partners) but also for established and competing technologies and for the relevant upstream and downstream processes. The results from LCA, LCC, and S-LCA will be integrated and weighted in a transparent procedure to provide decision-relevant indicators of environmental, economic, and, where data allow, social sustainability performance. This will support the development of more sustainable, biomass-based co-production of hydrogen and chemicals.

Tel.: +49 721 608-26720
E-mail