Researchers at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have developed a laboratory-scale process that converts shrimp shells and other organic waste into carbon-negative hydrogen, cultured protein and calcium carbonate, offering a potential pathway for low-emission fuel production and waste recycling.

The multistep process separates calcium carbonate from shrimp shells before using the remaining organic material in a modified electrolysis system powered by solar energy to produce hydrogen gas. Unlike conventional water electrolysis, the method avoids generating oxygen, reducing energy requirements and improving safety.

After hydrogen production, the remaining biomass is processed by bacteria in a bioreactor to produce protein suitable for aquaculture feed, while the recovered calcium carbonate can be used in products such as cement and construction materials. Researchers say the integrated approach reduces landfill waste while creating multiple valuable products from a single feedstock.

The laboratory system currently produces about 14 liters of hydrogen per hour and remains less efficient than commercial green hydrogen technologies. Researchers say scaling up the process and reducing electricity costs will be key to commercial viability.

The technology can also process other forms of biomass, including agricultural residues, cardboard, grass and industrial organic waste. Two companies have already licensed versions of the technology for commercial applications involving biomass and sewage sludge recycling.

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Researchers turn shrimp shells into carbon-negative hydrogen, construction materials

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