IREC has successfully validated the commercial viability of AutoMeth, an innovative autothermal catalytic reactor for the production of renewable methane from biogas and green hydrogen, paving the way for its market deployment through a dedicated spin-off (AutoMeth). The initiative responds to the growing need for decentralized and efficient solutions capable of valorizing organic waste and producing renewable gas in rural environments, contributing to energy system decarbonization.

A comprehensive techno-economic analysis confirmed the commercial competitiveness of AutoMeth-based plants at the 1 MW scale. Detailed CAPEX and OPEX assessments and the calculation of a competitive levelized cost of methane under multiple operating and electricity price scenarios demonstrated the economic feasibility of the solution and its attractiveness for investors and project developers. These results validated the robustness of the proposed business model under realistic market conditions. A business model based on turnkey plant delivery, complemented by long-term services, was established, alongside a robust intellectual property strategy, including the filing of a European patent and the definition of future patent families

Next steps will focus on full-scale validation of the technology in real operational environments through the commissioning and progressive expansion of multi-reactor demonstration plants. At the same time, efforts will concentrate on the creation and consolidation of the AutoMeth spin-off, through capital raising, strategic partnerships, and initial market entry. In the mid-term, the objective is to combine technological scale-up with market deployment, positioning AutoMeth as a competitive and scalable solution for decentralized renewable methane production.

Jordi Guilera, head of Sustainable Fuels group at IREC, leds this project, and Rossana Boccia has been the entrepreneur carrying out the activities for the transfer of the technology to the productive sector.

Acknowledgements (in Catalan): Amb el suport del Departament de Recerca i Universitats de la Generalitat de Catalunya.