The role of e-methane in the total energy mix
For the SAF platform, our expert Tetiana Suprun prepared a review of the European Biogas Association’s webinar titled ‘Mapping e-methane plants and technologies: The role of e-methane in the total energy mix’.
E-methane: the golden molecule?
Estimated supply of low-emissions gases by type in 2023 10 bcm-eq (biomethane + low-emissions hydrogen). Forecasted supply of low-emissions gases by type in 2027 25 bcm-eq (biomethane + low-emissions hydrogen + e-methane).
Production
As for e-methane, it is produced through a two-step process. Low-emission electricity is first converted to hydrogen by electrolysis and the resulting is converted via electrolysis into hydrogen, which is then reacted with a carbon source to obtain e-methane. More details can be found in the diagram below.
At present, e-methane is facing relatively high production costs. Current e-methane production costs are in the range of $50-200/mm btu, which would be four to fifteen times higher than current Asian spot LNG prices. Despite this, e-methane can play a crucial role in the coupling of future hydrogen and methane networks, facilitate trading and provide a solution to large-scale, seasonal storage in porous formations.
Additionally:
- Low-emissions gases are expected to more than double in the medium-term.
- E-methane could play a significant role in decarbonising existing gas networks without the need for retrofitting.
- Both investment costs and operational expenses are relatively high..
- E-methane can play a crucial role in the system integration of low-emissions gases.
- Demand creation will be critical to support final investment decisions in e-methane. International partnerships drive e-methane projects potentially delivering over 1 billion cubic meters by 2030.
Mapping e-methane plants and technologies
E-methane production refers to a group of technologies that enables the conversion of electricity into the methane molecule, using CO2 and H2 as raw material.
There are two types of e-methane production technologies: biological methanation and chemical/catalytic methanation. Biological methanation, in turn, can be in-situ and ex-situ.
Advantages of Methanation Technology:
- Integration of the energy system: stronger connection between the electricity and gas grid;
- Seasonal energy storage: excess renewable electricity is stored in the gas grid in the form of e-methane;
- Complementary roles for hydrogen and biomethane.
As shown in the chart, e-methane production in Europe is growing rapidly. Currently, there are 35 plants in operation, 33 of which are fully renewable. Germany leads with 14 facilities. Additionally, Europe plans or is in the process of building 20 new e-methane production plants, indicating further sector growth.
Production capacity shows even steeper growth. Biggest production capacities in 2023:
- Finland (282 GWh/year)
- Germany (68 GWh/year)
- Denmark (64 GWh/year)
Read the full material on the SAF platform. Moreover, you can download the full webinar presentation there.
We remind you that UABIO is a partner of the Sustainable agribusiness platform (SAF).
SAF is a communication platform that brings together agribusiness stakeholders and aims to establish strong links between market players and introduce sustainable approaches in agriculture. For this platform, our team prepares verified professional content on the bioenergy sector.
