Project description
System integration and coupling of the various renewable energy sources, including their storage and transportation, are key challenges for the success of the energy transition. At the same time, both biogas and wind power plant operators are faced with the challenge of developing cost-effective post-EEG concepts for existing plants. The WeMetBio project addresses this area of conflict.
The aim of the project is to integrate an innovative pilot plant for biomethanization using the trickle bed process into the energy network of biogas and biomethane plants, wind power plants and methane feed-in into the natural gas grid. As a feasibility study, the WeMetBio project serves to determine efficient and economical concepts, decision-making and the integration at selected project sites.
The technology to be used was developed at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and was patented in 2013. Flensburg University of Applied Sciences has the necessary technical expertise in the field of sustainable bioenergy production and system integration. Due to its excellent network of relevant stakeholders, FUAS is also responsible for site selection and evaluation.
FUAS selected the following locations from its Schleswig-Holstein-wide network for the study:
- Bioenergie Schuby (biomethane plant in Schuby)
- Nissen Biogas GmbH & Co. KG (agricultural biogas plant & post-EEG wind power plant in Nordhackstedt)
Biomethanization uses special microorganisms to convert hydrogen and CO2 into methane. The concept involves using CO2 from biogenic sources (raw biogas contains up to 55% of CO2, for example) and "green" electrolysis hydrogen. The hydrogen is produced using electricity from renewable energy sources. Biomethanization thus makes it possible to refine the waste material CO2 into a CO2-neutral and highly storable energy source with a wide range of possible applications.
If the result of the one-year feasibility study is positive regarding implementation, the second step will be the construction of a large pilot plant (up to 150 m³ reactor volume) at a site in Schleswig Holstein.
