H2Café: a new era in coffee roasting

UCC Coffee Benelux B.V. is investigating the feasibility of using renewable hydrogen in the industrial coffee roasting process. The aim is to adapt one of its existing coffee roasters to operate with different blends of natural gas and hydrogen, ranging from 100% natural gas to 100% hydrogen. This feasibility study examines whether this is technically, economically, legally and organisationally viable, without compromising product quality, reliability, security of supply or continuity of production. UCC Coffee Benelux B.V. aims to develop and implement a more sustainable coffee roasting process that can use natural gas and/or renewable hydrogen. Renewable hydrogen is considered a promising solution for making industrial processes more sustainable and supports the transition towards renewable energy sources. The proposed solution is an industrial-scale pilot project in which one of the three existing coffee roasters is replaced by a roaster capable of operating with various natural gas-hydrogen blends, ranging from 100% natural gas to 100% hydrogen by volume. This retrofit solution would enable the existing coffee roasting facility to remain in operation for at least another twenty years, unlike a transition to full electrification. However, there are currently still too many uncertainties to proceed with such a pilot project. Through this feasibility study, UCC Coffee Benelux B.V. is therefore investigating whether renewable hydrogen can be used for coffee roasting without compromising product quality, reliability, security of supply or business continuity.

Objective

The objective of this feasibility study is to gain insight into the technical, economic, legal and organisational feasibility of a pilot project in which hydrogen is blended into the coffee roasting process on an industrial scale.

The aim is to make one roaster suitable for operation with natural gas containing 0, 20, 50 or 100% hydrogen by volume during the pilot. This flexibility would make it possible to select the appropriate blend at any given time, depending on the availability and price developments of both energy sources.

The study identifies the opportunities, risks, possibilities, limitations and likelihood of success of the proposed pilot. The technical, economic, legal and organisational aspects are examined comprehensively and assessed in relation to one another.

Activities

Various activities are being carried out as part of the feasibility study to assess the proposed pilot. The study is divided into six work packages.

The project partners conduct literature reviews and theoretical studies, combine desk research with field research, perform technical and logistical tests, draw on their own expertise, carry out market analyses and consult potential partners, suppliers and experts. These activities provide insights and help identify potential solutions.

The study focuses on questions relating to technological, economic and organisational feasibility, as well as relevant legislation and regulations. UCC Coffee Benelux B.V. conducts the study and presents the findings in a feasibility report.

Results

The feasibility study will provide insight into the viability of an industrial-scale pilot project for blending hydrogen into the coffee roasting process, using a coffee roaster capable of operating with natural gas-hydrogen blends ranging from 100% natural gas to 100% hydrogen.

Read the news article and final report.

The H2Café consortium

The consortium consists of UCC Coffee Benelux B.V.