In simple terms, businesses that generate organic waste can explore opportunities to produce biomethane. Examples include:
Biogas is extracted from organic waste and then refined to meet natural gas quality standards, a process known as ‘upgrading’.
After undergoing rigorous quality controls, the biomethane can be injected into the existing natural gas network, a process known as ‘grid injection’.
Converting waste streams into biomethane offers several advantages, such as:
Moreover, since the raw materials are often already available in the form of organic waste, there are no additional costs for sourcing materials.
Governments support this transition through subsidies, such as the SDE scheme (Dutch: Stimulering Duurzame Energieproductie en Klimaattransitie, Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition), which includes a dedicated subsidy program for biomethane.
In short, producing and injecting biomethane is becoming increasingly attractive for various industries. It promotes a circular economy, offers financial benefits and reduces environmental impact.
Curious to know more on getting started producing and injecting biomethane? Continue reading.
Biomethane is a renewable energy source that is increasingly gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to natural gas. It is produced from biogas and upgraded to the same quality as natural gas, allowing for seamless injection into the existing gas network. But who can benefit from this? And why is it interesting?
Injecting biomethane comes with strict quality requirements. This is understandable, as it is added to the existing natural gas network. To ensure safe and compliant injection, you must meet various legal and regulatory requirements, such as the Dutch Ministerial Regulation on Gas Quality (MR Gaskwaliteit) and additional quality standards set by Dutch grid operator Netbeheer Nederland.
The process begins with the installation of a digestion plant. Once the plant is operational, organic waste streams can be converted into biogas. This biogas is then upgraded to natural gas quality, ensuring compliance with the required standards.
A gas analysis is a crucial part of the quality control process for injecting biomethane. By taking samples and conducting laboratory analysis, it is determined whether the gas meets legal requirements and can be safely injected. The analysis examines the methane content, CO₂ levels, sulfur and other components that may affect gas quality.
During the production and injection of biomethane, methane emissions can occur. Since methane is a potent greenhouse gas, it is crucial to minimize emissions. A gas camera allows for quick and accurate detection of leaks, reducing gas loss, environmental impact, and safety risks. This inspection can be performed alongside gas sampling for analysis, helping to save costs.
Ready to get started producing and injecting biomethane?
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