Innoceana, a future with a plastic-free ocean

Innoceana is an international organisation dedicated to the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems. Through projects based on scientific research, it promotes ocean conservation by involving local communities through education, awareness-raising and direct action initiatives. One of these projects is PLAST4H2, which focuses on reducing plastic pollution and recovering plastic waste.

PLAST4H2: From Plastic to Hydrogen for a More Sustainable Future

PLAST4H2 is a project funded by the Interreg Atlantic Area 2021-2027 programme, under the thematic priority ‘blue and green environment’ for a more sustainable Europe. The initiative aims to combat the spread of plastics in the oceans and transform them into high added-value products, such as green hydrogen.

Following the principles of the circular economy, the project not only aims to give new life to plastic waste, but also seeks to transform it into a valuable resource for the future. Hydrogen obtained from plastic has high energy potential: in fact, 1 kg of plastic can generate between 4 and 6 kWh of energy, equivalent to the energy contained in 1 litre of diesel. With a purity of 94%, this hydrogen can be used as fuel, helping to reduce marine pollution and promoting a sustainable, low-emission energy future.

Let's imagine a future in which the energy that powers the world comes from the waste that today pollutes our seas!

Innoceana's Contribution to the PLAST4H2 Project

Innoceana's main role in the project focuses on the collection of plastics through underwater cleaning operations, on beaches and at sea. The organisation is actively involved in plastic sampling, data collection and report writing, with the aim of raising awareness among local communities and the public about the importance of reducing plastic pollution and promoting more environmentally responsible behaviour.

Since the project began in November 2023, Innoceana has been committed to collecting marine debris, managing to collect a total of 1,060.33 kg of plastic from the coasts of Tenerife, Spain.

Innoceana and TDS: A Shared Commitment

Some of the activities, such as underwater clean-up operations, are carried out thanks to the collaboration between Innoceana and TDS (Technical Dive System). Thanks to this equipment, the team can operate quickly and efficiently, fulfilling their commitment to protect the ocean.