In response to the global climate challenge and the increasing demand for energy, exploring renewable energy alternatives has become crucial. Bio-oils derived from biomass pyrolysis are emerging as potential replacements for fossil fuel-based liquid fuels. This paper shares findings from the Institute of Energy and Fuel Processing Technology on the quality of crude biomass pyrolysis bio-oil samples. These findings highlight their potential as motor liquid fuels. The article details the results of tests on the physicochemical properties of four distinct bio-oil samples. Additionally, it presents preliminary test results on the hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oils in a batch reactor. The production of homogeneous, stable mixtures using other fuel additives, such as diesel oil, rapeseed methyl ester (RME), and butanol, is also discussed.

Hydrogen (H₂) is a key energy carrier and industrial feedstock, with growing interest in its production from syngas and water–gas shift (WGS) syngas. Effective purification methods are essential to ensure high hydrogen purity for various applications, particularly fuel cells, chemical synthesis, or automotive fuel. Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) has emerged as a dominant separation technology due to its efficiency, scalability, and industrial maturity. This study reviews PSA-based hydrogen purification and proposes an experimental framework based on literature insights. Key process variables influencing PSA performance, such as adsorbent selection, cycle sequences, pressure conditions, and flow configurations, are identified. The proposed experimental methodology includes breakthrough adsorption studies and PSA process evaluations under dynamic conditions, with variations in column configuration, adsorption pressure (8–9 bar), and process concept (Berlin and Linde Gas). The purpose of the review is to prepare for syngas separation by the selected process in terms of hydrogen recovery and purity using ITPE’s advanced technological facilities. The findings are expected to contribute to improving PSA-based hydrogen purification strategies, offering a pathway for enhanced industrial-scale hydrogen production. This work provides a foundation for bridging theoretical PSA principles with practical implementation, supporting the growing demand for clean hydrogen in sustainable energy systems.

Domestic coal and waste resources, which are valuable sources of carbon, can support efforts to transform a linear economy into a circular carbon economy. Their use, as an alternative to conventional, imported fossil resources (crude oil, natural gas) for chemical production, provides an opportunity for Poland to solve problems related to competitiveness, security of supply, and sustainable development in various industries. This is important for Poland because it can provide it with a long-term perspective of economic growth and development, taking into account global trends (e.g., the Paris Agreement) and EU legislation. The article presents a concept to support the transformation from linear toward a circular carbon economy under Polish conditions. The carried-out analyses showed that coal, RDF, and plastic waste fuels can be a valuable source of raw material for the development of the chemical industry in Poland. Due to the assumed availability of plastic waste and the loss of carbon in the production process, coal consumption is estimated at 10 million t/yr, both in the medium- and long-term. In case where coal consumption is reduced and an additional source of ‘green hydrogen’ is used, CO₂ emissions could be reduced even by 98% by 2050. The presented results show the technical and economic feasibility of the proposed solution and could be the basis for development of the roadmap for transition of the linear to circular economy under Polish condition.

In response to global climate challenges and the increasing demand for energy, exploring renewable energy alternatives has become crucial. Bio-oils, derived from biomass pyrolysis, are emerging as potential replacements for fossil fuel-based liquid fuels. This paper shares findings from the Institute of Energy and Fuel Processing Technology on the quality of crude biomass pyrolysis bio-oil samples. These findings highlight their potential as motor liquid fuels. The article details the results of tests on the physicochemical properties of four distinct bio-oil samples. Additionally, it presents preliminary test results on the hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oils in a batch reactor. The production of homogeneous, stable mixtures using other fuel additives, such as diesel oil, rapeseed methyl ester (RME), and butanol, is also discussed.

This study shows the results of the combustion of raw and torrefied municipal solid waste. The pellets made of waste were torrefied using a rotary kiln reactor. The average solid yield was 551 g/h. The ratio of solid product mass to the raw material mass (i.e., percentage solid yield, wt%) was 78%. The combustion of the waste/coal mixtures and the torrefied waste was stable, without major problems. The unstable combustion was observed during the combustion of single waste. It was probably caused by the blocking of the portion of raw pellets in the screw feeder. A significantly lower emission of SO₂ (i.e., 43–114 mg/m³ STP ref. to 6 v.% O₂) was observed during the single combustion of torrefied and raw waste. Significantly higher emissions of CO and H-C were observed during the combustion of single raw and torrefied waste. This higher emission should be reduced by the optimization of air distribution.

The article presents the results of research and development work conducted as part of the H2GEO project, aimed at creating a comprehensive technology for the processing of post-mining coal waste heaps. The core of the solution is a mobile density separation system based on a pulsating jig, enabling effective recovery of carbonaceous and mineral fractions. Laboratory experiments assessed the impact of key process parameters—such as sieve slot size, pulsation frequency, and enrichment time—on the efficiency and accuracy of separation for different grain size classes. The most favorable results were obtained using a 2.5 mm screen, a pulsation frequency of 60 min⁻¹, and extended enrichment time, which ensured high-quality separation and low ash content in the carbon-bearing product. The findings supported the design of a new industrial separator (jig) equipped with advanced control systems, facilitating the production of homogeneous fractions suitable for further processing into hydrogen, geopolymers, and construction materials. The proposed solution aligns with circular economy principles, promoting waste reuse, environmental hazard mitigation, and the revitalization of degraded post-industrial areas.