Metacon SA, the Greek subsidiary of Swedish clean energy developer Metacon AB, has received European Union project funding to construct and test a biomethane-to-hydrogen pilot facility in Ierapetra, Crete. Operating under the 36-month BIOH2VAP project, the installation aims to demonstrate clean hydrogen generation by converting locally sourced agricultural and livestock residues within an active industrial biogas setting.
On-Site Biomethane Upgrading and Reforming
The pilot installation is situated at an existing industrial biogas plant in Ierapetra. Under the project framework, raw biogas generated from organic residues will be upgraded into high-purity biomethane using Pressure Swing Adsorption technology. The purified biomethane will then be processed through Metacon’s catalytic reforming equipment to produce renewable hydrogen. Beyond hydrogen generation, the project will gather operating data under real industrial conditions and evaluate a secondary soil conditioner product manufactured from digested waste materials.
Financial Structure and Public Support
The total financial allocation for the BIOH2VAP initiative is €1,686,930. The project is co-funded through the European Union’s "Competitiveness" Programme (ESPA 2021-2027), drawing public expenditure from the European Regional Development Fund alongside Greek National Funds. Metacon SA holds a project budget of €302,400, of which €241,920 is provided through public grants, representing an 80% funding rate.
Commercializing Off-Grid Reforming Technology
Metacon develops clean energy technology across two primary divisions: Electrolysis, which partners with China-based PERIC Hydrogen Technologies, and Reforming, which centers on proprietary patented HIWAR catalytic reactor systems. The HIWAR technology enables catalytic steam reforming using renewable feedstocks such as biomethane, bioethanol, and green ammonia without requiring connection to the electrical power grid. According to Metacon President and CEO Christer Wikner, the deployment in Crete provides an industrial testing foundation to optimize commercial viability and advance deployment plans aimed at existing biogas facilities worldwide.
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Source: Metacon awarded EU funding for reforming-based biomethane-to-hydrogen pilot project in Crete
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