Efficient micro biogas upgrading plants (eMikroBGAA) - Subproject 2: Potential analysis and economic assessment for efficient small scale plants upgrading biogas to biomethane

The project “eMikroBGAA” aims to evaluate the potential of efficient small scale technologies for upgrading biogas to biomethane. Moreover the evaluation of the cost-cutting potential of an optimized constellation of biogas upgrading plants combined with facilities for feed-in of biomethane into the national gas grid is a project objective. In addition, the economic situation of these small scale biogas upgrading plants will be investigated under consideration of the legal framework and feasible business models. In order to achieve the described objectives of the project, a consortium of 3 research institutions (Fraunhofer IWES, DBFZ, DBI Gas- und Umwelttechnik GmbH) and the German Energy Agency (dena) participate in the project. The main tasks of DBFZ are: • Economical assessment of the optimized small scale technology for upgrading biogas to biomethane using the example of single plants (operator point of view) • Economical assessment of full cost (macro-economic analysis) of small scale biogas upgrading plants in cooperation with IWES • Analysis of the potential of operating sites for small scale upgrading plants in Germany regarding a) the modification of existing biogas plants with on-site generation and b) the construction of new plants with respect to the biomass potential • Analysis and evaluation regarding capacity-expanding measures in cooperation with IWES • Compilation of the environmental aspects of small scale biogas upgrading plants • Support for recommendations to improve the framework for the efficient operation of small scale biogas upgrading plants Based on the broad knowledge and experience of the involved project partners in the field of biomethane and natural gas grids it is expected to receive essential results regarding the important issue of economic optimization of biogas facilities from the project. The results may lead to an improved and widespread integration of biomethane into the energy system. As a result, recommendations for action will be developed, improving the conditions for an economic feasible operation of small scale biogas upgrading plants.