The role of incentivisation in the development of biomethane production using anaerobic digestion

Project Description

Typically final energy consumption in Ireland is comprised of ca. 40% transport fuel, 40% thermal energy and 20% electricity. Ireland has a viable plan to produce of the order of 40% renewable electricity by 2020 through wind power. However the strategy to satisfy 12% renewable heat and 10% renewable transport is not as certain. Biomethane (or green gas) offers a solution to both of these sectors and delivers non-ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme) emissions reductions. This desktop project will draw on the extensive expertise of two research groups (the Bioenergy and Biofuels Research Group and The Energy Policy and Modelling Group) and Gas Networks Ireland to assess the potential of incentives to promote the development of biomethane production using anaerobic digestion. The proposed outcomes include optimal technology systems for biogas production and upgrading to biomethane, incentives to optimise role of biomethane in energy systems and a commercial perspective on industrial applications to Ireland. This project will assess three substrate types and three technologies. In essence 9 scenarios will be assessed for cost and resource. These costs will be modelled to assess level of incentivisation to allow commerciality. Three review papers will be published on 1)The relative cost of biomethane production using three different upgrading methodologies: conventional, P2G and micro-algae; 2) The effect of cost incentives on role of biomethane in energy systems using TIMES model; 3) The required rates of incentivisation to optimise the application of biomethane in industry in Ireland. An end of project Symposium will be held with an audience of developers, policy makers and other relevant stakeholders. A desktop technical brochure will be produced containing a synthesis of the academic outcomes available for a commercial and policy making audience. This will be disseminated widely both at the Symposium and to contacts within industry, academic and government. A website will be produced which will be continually updated and will contain links to all outputs. The desired commercial impact involves setting up of a number of biogas facilities associated with gas grid injection facilities. For transport fuel there is a requirement for CNG service stations. To facilitate the green gas industry there needs to be a green gas certification process highlighting the route to the produced biomethane. The Biofuel Obligation Certificates are only applicable to transport biofuel; a similar scheme is required for renewable heat.