Yiru Zhao valorizes sargassum to produce biohydrogen in Benin

Yiru Zhao, a researcher at the National Polytechnic Institute of Brittany, has unlocked the scientific barrier of converting sargassum into biohydrogen, a promising energy vector. This research, supported by the ABES/STAR network, highlights the potential for valorization of 20,000 to 40,000 tons of sargassum washed ashore each year on the Guadeloupean coasts, offering an opportunity for the energy transition.

Yiru Zhao's thesis, conducted at the IRDL, focuses on the energy valorization of sargassum, which represents an environmental challenge and an economic opportunity. These brown macroalgae, massively washed ashore on the Caribbean coasts, impact marine biodiversity and tourism activities. Zhao explores the production of biohydrogen from Sargassum sp., aiming to turn this problem into a sustainable solution.

Zhao has implemented innovative methods such as dark fermentation and anaerobic digestion to overcome the challenges related to the conversion of sargassum. These techniques have achieved a hydrogen yield four times higher with Sargassum muticum compared to Caribbean algae, thus demonstrating the feasibility of producing biohydrogen from this marine biomass.

The results of this research have strategic implications for decision-makers and investors. The valorization of sargassum could contribute to sustainable development and the energy transition, while attracting funding for innovative projects. It is recommended to assess technological risks and encourage collaboration between researchers and economic actors to maximize impact.

« « Thanks to dark fermentation, we achieved a hydrogen yield four times higher with Sargassum muticum, which opens new perspectives for the valorization of sargassum ». »

« « This research illustrates how access to knowledge can transform environmental challenges into economic opportunities for decision-makers ». »