Biological methanation for the storage of fluctuating renewable energy
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WELCOME
Biological Methanation
after more than ten years of research, we have developed a technology with the GICON® trickle-bed process that is already making a difference in the utilization of renewable energy. Through long-term energy storage, heat extraction, and CO₂ utilization, methanation is a key component for a sustainable energy transition.
Green methane: Using energy from renewable electricity
As the supply from renewable energy sources such as wind and PV increases, the need for energy storage and distribution grows. By using this otherwise unusable electricity for electrolytic hydrogen production, “green methane” can be produced with the central component of biological methanation, which can already be used in the existing natural gas infrastructure and fuel sector.
Advantages:
- Renewable energy generated during the summer months can be used as gas supply in the winter months as well as during periods of so-called “dark doldrums.”
- Provision of methane with a volumetric energy density that is 3.3–4 times higher (depending on the pressure level) compared to hydrogen.
- Coupling of energy sectors and repurposing of existing infrastructures such as gas networks and biogas plants.
- Binding of CO₂ instead of capture (Carbon Capture and Utilisation).
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by substituting fossil energy carriers.
The Implementation
On behalf of the BMEL, a demonstration plant of the GICON® trickle-bed reactor is being constructed as part of the joint project WeMetBio2 – Demand-Oriented Storage of Renewable (Wind) Energy for the Production of Green Methane with CO₂ Binding through Biological Methanation. This pilot plant, with a working volume of 50 m³, is to be operated in Nordhackstedt, Schleswig-Holstein, and will initially produce a maximum of 20 m³N of methane per hour. It is also expandable.
In addition to the planning, construction, and operation of the biological methanation plant, the project also includes the economic and ecological evaluation within the local energy network. The results are of particular interest to heat, electricity, and gas network operators, PV and wind turbine operators, hydrogen producers, biogas producers, and CO₂ emitters. Existing biogas or wind power plants that have fallen out of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) funding can thus be economically repurposed.
Subproject 1: Nissen Biogas GmbH & Co. KG
Construction of a pilot plant for biological methanation to provide green natural gas and heat at the energy site in Nordhackstedt.
Subproject 2: GICON GmbH
Planning and commissioning of a pilot plant for biological methanation using the trickle-bed process for the demand-oriented provision of green natural gas and heat, as well as CO₂ binding.
Subproject 3: BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg
Scientific support for a pilot plant for biological methanation using the trickle-bed process to produce green natural gas with CO₂ binding and heat provision.
Subproject 4: Flensburg University of Applied Sciences
Location-specific project coordination within the project consortium for the realization of a pilot plant for biological methanation using the trickle-bed process to produce green natural gas with CO₂ binding and heat provision.