An international team of researchers has used artificial intelligence to optimize how wastewater is converted into green hydrogen, a clean fuel that could play a key role in future sustainable energy systems. The project — involving scientists from countries including Spain, Vietnam, South Korea, India, and Taiwan — focused on enhancing a process known as dark fermentation, in which anaerobic microorganisms break down organic matter in wastewater to produce bio-hydrogen. By applying machine learning and AI models, the team was able to better understand and control the variables that affect efficiency in this complex biological process.
The researchers developed predictive models that learn patterns in real-world experimental data, enabling them to anticipate how changes in conditions impact hydrogen output and energy recovery. These AI-assisted models help scientists fine-tune the fermentation process so it runs more effectively, reducing both time and cost compared with conventional approaches. The ability to model and predict outcomes also means operators could improve system control and reliability when scaling up for industrial use.
Using wastewater — which often varies in composition — as a feedstock for bio-hydrogen production has multiple sustainability benefits. It reduces reliance on freshwater resources, cuts organic waste, and mitigates the use of fossil fuels. Because the AI models can adapt to variable input quality, they facilitate a more robust conversion system that makes better use of waste streams while minimizing environmental impact.
The study’s findings, published in the journal Energy, demonstrate that AI and machine learning can be powerful tools in advancing green energy technologies, particularly those involving complex biological or chemical systems. By combining experimental research with advanced data-driven modeling, the team has opened a promising avenue for more efficient and sustainable hydrogen fuel production — transforming wastewater from an environmental burden into a valuable energy resource.
