Research and Development

Future Energy Investments is engaged in advanced research and development focused on solving complex challenges at the intersection of waste conversion, hydrogen production, and carbon management.

The company’s R&D program is conducted under Australia’s R&D Tax Incentive framework and is centred on generating new technical knowledge where outcomes cannot be determined in advance. This work involves systematic experimentation, engineering design, and iterative testing across multiple process variables and system configurations.

Our research is not focused on incremental improvements. It is focused on developing entirely new system architectures capable of operating at industrial scale under real-world conditions.

R&D program overview

The current R&D program is focused on the development of a closed-loop system capable of converting heterogeneous waste streams into hydrogen while capturing and reusing emissions within a single integrated process.

This includes the design and testing of a multi-variable system that can:

  • Process mixed plastic waste, biomass, and carbon-based inputs
  • Produce hydrogen with consistent output quality
  • Capture and manage carbon dioxide within the system
  • Operate as a self-sustaining energy system

The program integrates thermochemical conversion, catalytic processes, gas purification, and energy recovery into a unified platform designed for modular deployment.

Core research areas

Closed-loop hydrogen production

The primary focus of the research is the development of a system that converts heterogeneous waste streams into hydrogen through a combination of pyrolysis and co-gasification processes.

Unlike traditional systems, the FEI approach is designed to operate as a closed-loop process, where energy and by-products are continuously recycled to support system operation and reduce external energy inputs.

Catalyst development and optimisation

A key component of the system is the development and optimisation of catalysts capable of improving hydrogen yield while maintaining stability under high-temperature and variable feedstock conditions.

This includes research into:

  • Catalyst performance across mixed plastic and biomass inputs
  • Resistance to coking, poisoning, and thermal degradation
  • Longevity and reusability across multiple operational cycles

Integrated carbon capture and reuse

The system is designed to capture carbon dioxide generated during the conversion process and reintegrate it into the system or downstream processes.

Research focuses on:

  • Efficient CO₂ capture within a compact system architecture
  • Integration of carbon capture with hydrogen production processes
  • Reuse pathways for captured carbon within the closed-loop system

Energy self-sufficiency

A central objective of the R&D program is the development of a system that is capable of operating without reliance on external energy inputs.

This is achieved through:

  • Internal recycling of process gases and heat
  • Integration of combined heat and power (CHP) systems
  • Optimisation of energy flows across the system

Digital systems and optimisation

The platform incorporates digital infrastructure to enable real-time monitoring, modelling, and optimisation of system performance.

This includes:

  • Digital twin architecture for simulation and predictive control
  • Data-driven optimisation of process variables
  • Remote system monitoring and operational control

Technical challenges and uncertainties

The development of a closed-loop waste-to-hydrogen system involves complex and interdependent technical challenges that cannot be resolved through existing knowledge or standard engineering approaches.

These include:

Non-linear process interactions

The system must manage complex relationships between temperature, pressure, feedstock composition, and reaction conditions. These variables interact in non-linear ways, making it difficult to predict outcomes without experimental validation.

Feedstock variability

The platform is designed to process heterogeneous inputs, including mixed plastics and biomass. Variations in composition, moisture content, and contaminants introduce significant uncertainty into system performance and output consistency.

Catalyst performance under stress

Catalysts are subject to extreme operating conditions, including high temperatures and exposure to contaminants. Maintaining performance over time while minimising degradation is a key technical challenge.

System integration and energy balancing

The integration of multiple processes into a single closed-loop system requires precise balancing of energy flows, gas composition, and reaction conditions to maintain stable operation and efficiency.

Output consistency and scalability

Achieving consistent hydrogen output across variable inputs, while scaling the system to industrial throughput levels, remains a core challenge of the research program.

Experimental approach

To address these challenges, FEI employs a structured experimental methodology based on systematic progression and iterative testing.

This includes:

  • Designing and testing multiple system configurations
  • Evaluating key process variables such as temperature, pressure, gas flow rate, and feedstock composition
  • Testing different catalyst materials and combinations
  • Analysing system outputs including hydrogen yield, carbon capture efficiency, and energy balance
  • Refining system design based on observed performance and experimental results

This approach ensures that all outcomes are supported by empirical data and validated through controlled experimentation.

Strategic relevance

The R&D program is directly aligned with global structural shifts in energy, waste management, and climate policy.

The system being developed addresses multiple challenges simultaneously:

  • The increasing volume of plastic waste and limitations of traditional recycling systems
  • The transition to hydrogen as a core component of future energy systems
  • The need for scalable and decentralised energy infrastructure
  • The requirement for integrated carbon capture and utilisation solutions

By combining these elements into a single system, FEI is developing infrastructure capable of operating within the emerging circular energy economy.

Long-term vision

The long-term objective of the R&D program is to transition from experimental validation to commercial deployment of modular systems across multiple industries and geographies.

This includes:

  • Deployment in agricultural and regional environments
  • Integration into retail and logistics waste streams
  • Use in industrial applications requiring hydrogen and energy generation
  • Expansion into global markets where decentralised energy solutions are required

The outcome is intended to be a scalable platform that transforms waste into a reliable and valuable energy resource.

Commitment to innovation

Future Energy Investments is committed to advancing new technical knowledge and developing systems that extend beyond current industry capabilities.

The company’s R&D program reflects a long-term approach to innovation, focused on solving complex, system-level problems through engineering, experimentation, and continuous refinement.