Brussels, 22nd of May, 2024. Task Force 5.3 has released a preview video of their ongoing analysis on improving methanation technologies for biogenic CO₂ valorisation. This is part of their draft study on improving methanation technologies for biogenic CO₂ valorisation and integrated production of hydrogen and biomethane.
Among the methanation technologies analysed by Task Force 5.3 are the in-situ and ex-situ biological methanation technologies:
- In-situ biological methanation technology: Renewable hydrogen can be injected into the anaerobic digester to provide already present microorganisms with the necessary amount of hydrogen to convert the internally produced biogenic CO₂ into additional biomethane.
- Ex-situ biological methanation technology: Biogenic CO₂ from a biogenic source, either from the biogas upgrading process or from another source, is injected into a reactor different from the main anaerobic digester. In the external reactor, hydrogentrophic microorganisms are fed with biogenic CO₂ and hydrogen to produce additional biomethane.
Task Force 5.3 is also analysing key recommendations for enhancing methanation technologies for biogenic CO₂ valorisation. Some of these recommendations include:
- Investigating the compatibility of methanation technologies with emerging renewable energy sources, such as power-to-gas systems, solar hydrogen production, or biomass gasification;
- Optimising reactor designs for improved heat and mass transfer, enhanced catalyst use to accelerate reaction and improved conversion efficiency;
- Developing innovative purification methods for the gas stream after biogas production;
- Exploring improved techniques for biogenic CO₂ capture during the ex-situ biological methanation process.
The full Task Force 5.3 report will be released soon. In the meantime, further insights into the uses of biogenic CO₂ derived from biomethane production can be found in Task Force 4.1’s study, “Biogenic CO₂: The role of the biomethane industry in satisfying a growing demand.”
