Zero-X is actively running and developing breakthrough projects that push the frontier of waste gasification technology — from EU-funded field deployments to next-generation fuel cell integration.
EU-funded waste-to-methane chain — the most advanced real-world validation of the X-150 gasification system to date.
COMETHA is an EU-funded landmark project led by Parisian public authorities Syctom and SIAAP, with MFC as the core technology partner. The project validated a complete waste-to-methane conversion chain using the X-150 gasification system, transforming diverse organic waste streams — MSW and biomass — into pipeline-quality renewable methane. Successfully concluded in February 2026, COMETHA has set a new global standard for urban waste-to-energy solutions and serves as the most advanced real-world validation of the X-150 to date.
Mixed MSW and biomass feedstocks are converted into raw syngas via the X-150 downdraft gasifier. High-ash, multi-fuel operation demonstrated.
The syngas passes through a Water-Gas Shift Reactor, converting CO + H₂O → CO₂ + H₂, enriching the hydrogen content and conditioning the gas for downstream use.
Hydrogen-rich syngas enters a Biological Methanisation Unit (BMU) where microorganisms convert H₂ + CO₂ → CH₄, producing pipeline-quality renewable methane.
Next-generation integration of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology with mixed syngas from waste gasification — delivering ultra-high electrical efficiency.
This project targets the direct coupling of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) with the X-150 gasification system, running the SOFC on mixed syngas derived from waste gasification. SOFCs operate at high temperatures (700–1000°C) and can achieve electrical efficiencies exceeding 60%, far surpassing conventional combustion-based power generation. The project is being developed in Germany and is targeted for delivery in 2026.
SOFCs convert fuel directly to electricity electrochemically, achieving >60% electrical efficiency — roughly double that of conventional gas engines.
Unlike PEM fuel cells, SOFCs can operate on CO-rich syngas mixtures, making them ideal for direct integration with waste gasification output.
High-temperature exhaust heat from the SOFC stack can be recovered for additional thermal output, enabling total system efficiencies above 80%.
The electrochemical process produces no NOx or particulate matter at the point of power generation, meeting the strictest urban emission standards.
X-150 gasifier produces mixed syngas (H₂, CO, CH₄, CO₂, N₂) from waste feedstocks.
Syngas is cleaned, filtered, and conditioned to meet SOFC fuel quality requirements — tar and particulate removal is critical.
Conditioned syngas enters the SOFC stack where electrochemical oxidation generates electricity at >60% efficiency.
High-temperature exhaust (700–900°C) is recovered via heat exchangers, boosting total system efficiency to 80%+.
MFC (Multi Fuel Conversion GmbH)
Gasifier developer — designs and builds the X-150 that converts waste into syngas
Fraunhofer IKTS
SOFC developer — Germany's leading applied research institute develops the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell that converts syngas into electricity
MFC GmbH — X-150 Gasification System Overview (syngas production side)