The Green Deal focused on ambitious reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Achieving these targets depends on the decarbonisation of the gas sector and the development of biomethane.
By 2030, the potential production of biogas and biomethane could reach 44 billion cubic meters, which is equivalent to 467 TWh, according to the latest report of the European Biogas Association (EBA). EBA’s 2020 statistical report shows significant growth and potential of biomethane for the decarbonisation of the gas sector.
As such, biomethane can play an important role in achieving the EU’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. In addition, biomethane can enhance European energy security by reducing dependence on Russian natural gas and can relieve some of the energy costs on households and industrial enterprises.
A biogas plant is a system that provides an oxygen-free environment where bacteria transform biomass into biogas.
What exactly is a biogas plant?
A biogas plant is a facility that provides oxygen-free conditions where anaerobic digestion can take place. Simply put, it is an artificial system where you can turn waste into sustainable energy and fertilizers with a positive effect on the environment.
Biogas plants have three main components that make the process of its production possible:
- Reception area
- Bioreactor (or fermentation tank)
- Gasholder
- Cogenerator
- Gas torch
The receiving area is where sludge/raw materials are received and prepared for anaerobic digestion. Each type of biomass has a different fermentation process, so the total duration of the biogas production process varies depending on the raw materials used. To speed up the process and the amount of biogas produced, pre-treated raw materials are used. Some of the most popular feedstocks for biomass are crop residues, municipal and industrial wastewater, agricultural materials, animal manure, seaweed, food products and paper waste, but the list of feedstocks used is considerably longer.
An anaerobic bioreactor is a hermetic, waterproof tank with a means of feeding the biomass. This is where the raw material enters, which must be transformed into energy. Biogas mixers periodically stir the biomass to release gases and prevent stratification. The gas holder is a facility for storing the gas released during the fermentation process. The gas holders can be made of steel or a double impermeable membrane that is filled depending on the amount of biogas produced.
The formed biogas in the most general case has a content of 50-60% methane, 30-40% carbon dioxide and small amounts of impurities. After entering the gas holder, it is taken to the co-generator (CHP) under constant pressure. The motor installed in the cogeneration module converts the biogas energy into mechanical and thermal energy, thereby producing electrical energy. The resulting electricity can be used to power the industrial plant, and if there is overproduction it can be fed back into the national grid. Cogeneration systems that can run on hydrogen are already being worked on. Hydrogen is usually produced through a thermal process known as natural gas reforming, or electrolysis, using domestic resources such as nuclear, biomass, solar and wind.
A flare for burning residual biogas is also part of a biogas plant. It is used only in case of biogas production above the capacity of the biogas purification system and/or during the maintenance of the purification or the use of the biogas system.
Biogas plants and climate change
Biogas must be part of the energy mix to effectively combat climate change, as it complements renewable energy sources such as wind or solar. It is an important ally in driving the energy transition, acting as a bridge between gas and other energies and compensating for some of their weaknesses. In fact, solar and wind energy production depends on changes in temperature, and there are still challenges to its storage.
Biogas, in turn, has several advantages over other renewable energies such as:
- continuous energy supply during seasonal demand peaks or temperature changes.
- storing electricity by converting it into renewable gas.
- stricter control of energy costs.
- the ability to better meet the growing needs of green energy
Experts often emphasize the need to apply a combination of energy and complementary energies rather than relying on a single energy. In this way, the energy transition and the fight against climate change and greenhouse gas will only be more effective!
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