Low emission hydrogen produced with non-fossil fuels is expected to be key in the efforts de-fossilizing hard-to-abate sectors. Water electrolysis based on fossil-free electricity is regarded as the most promising technology to fulfil the anticipated exponentially growing demand for low emissions hydrogen, however securing the power supply for production of electrolytic hydrogen could in many world-regions be challenging, mainly coupled to the required large expansion of power production and distribution.

Production of hydrogen via biomass gasification currently receives less attention but could be an important complement to electrolysis in many regions with available biomass resources. Biomass gasification possesses several beneficial characteristics such non-intermittent and fossil-free hydrogen production in a wide capacity range. The technology leads to many process integration opportunities, for example with water electrolysers since electrolysers generate significant amounts of oxygen, which potentially can be used as gasification media. Also, low temperature excess heat from electrolysers can be utilized for feedstock drying etc. This paves the way for more cost-efficient hydrogen production systems. One of the most prominent technology features is that the CO2 separation process is an integral part of the gasification system, which means that negative CO2-emissions can be obtained if carbon storage (CCS) is applied. LCA-studies show that combined with CCS, the greenhouse gas emission for hydrogen produced via biomass gasification may be as low as in the range of -15 to -22 kg CO2eq per kg produced hydrogen.

The main aim of this report is to describe different biomass gasification technologies suitable for hydrogen production and to provide information of on-going commercial initiatives. The report also aims at identifying potential techno-economic opportunities and challenges as well as knowledge gaps to better understand its potential future role and need of further development.

The hydrogen yield from biomass gasification varies depending on feedstock and process conditions, but an approximate value is about 100 kg of hydrogen per ton dry biomass. The energy efficiency also varies depending on process design but is normally in the range of 40-70% (based on the lower heating value).

The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of biomass gasification for hydrogen production is estimated to be in the 5 to 7 range depending on assessment methodology. All the main sub-processes of the conversion have a high technological maturity, but there is a need to demonstrate integrated operation of the complete hydrogen production chain in relevant scale to reach a higher TRL-score. Additional research is required to increase the knowledge on potential impurities, trace elements and their possible effects on for example fuel cells. This could serve as valuable inputs to updated ISO standards where biomass gasification-based hydrogen should be included.

It is estimated that the current production cost for a large-scale gasification plant (200 MW) would be approximately 4 € per kg hydrogen at a biomass price of 20 € per MWh. With potential process improvements and utilisation of CCS, the production cost could reduce to below 3 € per kg hydrogen at the same biomass price. With the current price levels of fossil methane in Europe, these cost levels are comparable to hydrogen produced via steam methane reforming. It is also shown that the cost levels are competitive to future foreseen production cost of renewable hydrogen produced via solar- and wind-based electrolysis in many world regions.

The report concludes that biomass gasification is an economical and environmentally beneficial technology well suited for producing climate-positive hydrogen. It is highly likely that negative carbon emissions will be essential to reach climate targets and hydrogen produced via biomass gasification is one of few hydrogen production pathways that can result in negative emissions.