Model-based estimation of market potential for Bio-SNG in the German biomethane market until 2030 within a system dynamics approach

T. Horschig¹*, E. Billig² and D. Thrän¹,²

¹DBFZ – Deutsches BiomasseForschungszentrum gGmbH, Department of Bioenergysystems, Torgauer Straße 116, DE 04347 Leipzig, Germany
²UFZ – Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Bioenergysystems, Permoserstraße 15, DE 04347 Leipzig, Germany
*Correspondence: thomas.horschig@dbfz.de

Abstract:

One option for energy provision from renewables is the production and grid injection of synthetic natural gas from lignin-rich biomass like wood and straw. Bio-SNG (biological produced synthetic/substitute natural gas) is the product of the thermochemical production of methane via gasification and methanation of lignin-rich biomass. The first commercial bio-SNG plant went successfully into operation in the end of 2014, in Gothenburg (Sweden). Regarding the huge potential of lignin-rich biomass bio-SNG is expected to have a high potential for a sustainable and greenhouse gas reducing contribution in power, heat and fuel markets. Being a future technology with great advantages like storability and transportability within a gas grid but recently too high prices for market implementation, possible future market shares are uncertain because bio-SNG has to compete with anaerobic biomethane as well as fossil alternatives. With the combination of an extensive techno-economic evaluation for present and future costs of bio-SNG depending on the feedstock supply chain and economy of scale, Delphi-Survey and a quantitative market simulation we determined future market shares for biomethane and bio-SNG for Germany under varying scenarios like incentive schemes, economy of scale and feedstock prices. Results indicate that substantial governmental support in terms of either R&D effort to lower bio-SNG prices or direct subsidies for a further capacity development is necessary to achieve significant market shares for biogenic methane.

Key words:

bio-SNG, Bioenergy markets, biomethane, system dynamics.

Environmental aspects of substituting bio-synthetic natural gas for natural gas in the brick industry

M. Repele*, M. Dudko, J. Rusanova, K. Valters and G. Bazbauers

Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University,Kronvalda Boulevard ¹, Riga, LV¹0¹0, Latvia;*Correspondence: mara.repele@rtu.lv

Abstract:

Firing of bricks is an essential manufacturing process during which the bricks obtainall the necessary properties. Life cycle assessment studies show that this process is also themost energy intensive in the brick manufacturing process and results in the largestenvironmental impact. Usually kilns are fired with natural gas, therefore substitution of fossilfuel with a renewable energy source is considered one of the most effective approaches forreduction of environmental impact. Bio-synthetic natural gas (bio-SNG) is one of the mostfeasible substitutes for natural gas and therefore the aim of the study was to compare theenvironmental impacts of those energy sources.Comparison of the life cycle of the environmental impact of natural gas and bio-SNG wascarried out using the GEMIS (Global Emission Model for Integrated Systems) database. Bothenergy sources were compared on the basis of the life cycle of CO² emissions, cumulatedenergy and material requirement, land use and employment effects.Results show that by replacing natural gas with bio-SNG, greenhouse gases could be reducedand employment increased. However, cumulated energy, material and land requirement is largerwhen bio-SNG is used instead of natural gas.

Key words: