Germany’s Straubing Wastewater Treatment Plant to Pioneer Green Energy Solutions
On July 28, 2022, groundbreaking work began at the Straubing wastewater treatment plant in Germany to install an advanced biomethanation research system. This cutting-edge project, spearheaded by MicroPyros BioEnerTec, Hyter, Biokomp, and Pietro Fiorentini, aims to revolutionize the production of biomethane from biogas and synthesis gas, supporting Europe’s transition to renewable energy.
As the primary promoter of this first-of-its-kind biomethanation initiative, Pietro Fiorentini Group is leading the way in power-to-gas innovation by integrating on-site gas mixtures and directly utilizing biogas from wastewater treatment plant digesters.
Breakthrough Technologies Driving the Project
Each partner company brings unique expertise to ensure the success of this pioneering project:
- Hyter – Supplies an Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyser (AEMWE), a state-of-the-art power-to-gas electrolytic stack that enhances hydrogen production efficiency.
- Biokomp – Provides advanced gas compression technology for both hydrogen-methane mixtures and pure hydrogen, ensuring seamless energy storage and distribution.
- MicroPyros BioEnerTec – Deploys its proprietary Archaea microorganisms, which naturally convert hydrogen and CO₂ into methane and water in an anaerobic environment.
- Pietro Fiorentini – Supplies a custom biochemical reactor, along with system integration, automation, and data acquisition technologies to optimize operational performance.
Germany’s Leading Research Hub for Biomethanation
The Straubing pilot plant will be one of the most advanced biomethanation research facilities in Europe, focusing on:
✔ Green energy production – Enhancing the efficiency of biogas-to-biomethane conversion.
✔ Waste-to-energy innovation – Maximizing the use of wastewater byproducts for sustainable fuel generation.
✔ Decarbonization efforts – Reducing CO₂ emissions through efficient methane synthesis processes.
Gianfranco De Feo, CEO of MicroPyros BioEnerTec, emphasized:
“The design and engineering phases are complete, and we have now entered the implementation stage. The Pietro Fiorentini Group’s biomethanation research system will be operational by the end of the year, transforming the Straubing wastewater treatment plant into a leading European hub for biomethanation research. This initiative is crucial for the future of renewable gas production and decarbonization.”
Innovative Partners Driving Green Energy Solutions
MicroPyros BioEnerTec
MicroPyros BioEnerTec, a German biotechnology startup, is one of only three companies worldwide to industrialize biological methanation processes. Their Archaea microorganisms play a critical role in power-to-gas conversion, naturally transforming hydrogen and CO₂ into biomethane.
🔗 www.micropyros.de
Hyter
Hyter specializes in hydrogen production electrolysers utilizing AEMWE (Anion Exchange Membrane) technology—a more efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional alkaline or PEM processes. Acquired by Pietro Fiorentini in 2021, Hyter is paving the way for cost-effective green hydrogen production.
🔗 www.hyter.it
Biokomp
Biokomp is a leading manufacturer of gas compressors for methane, biogas, and industrial process gases. Founded in 2012, the company’s high-performance solutions support renewable energy applications and industrial sustainability projects worldwide.
🔗 www.bio-komp.com
A Major Step Toward Europe’s Renewable Energy Goals
With the Straubing pilot plant, Pietro Fiorentini Group and its partners are shaping the future of green gas production. This project demonstrates the viability of biomethanation, furthering Germany’s commitment to renewable energy, carbon reduction, and circular economy principles.
As Europe accelerates its energy transition, the Straubing biomethanation plant serves as a model for integrating wastewater treatment, hydrogen production, and biomethane synthesis—paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
