The system integration and coupling of the various renewable energy sources, including their storage and transport, is a decisive challenge for the success of the energy transition. At the same time, both biogas and wind power plant operators face the challenge of developing economic post-EEG concepts for existing plants. This is where the WeMetBio project comes in.
The aim of the project is to integrate an innovative pilot plant for biomethanisation using the trickle filter process into the energy network of biogas or biomethane plants, wind power plants and methane injection into the natural gas grid. As a feasibility study, the WeMetBio project serves to identify efficient and economic concepts, decision-making and integration at the selected project sites.
The technology to be used was developed at btu Cottbus and has been patented since 2013. Flensburg University of Applied Sciences has the necessary technical expertise in the field of sustainable bioenergy production and system integration. Due to its good networking with the relevant stakeholders, Flensburg University of Applied Sciences also takes on the task of site selection and evaluation.
For the study, Flensburg University of Applied Sciences selected the following sites from its network in Schleswig-Holstein:
- Bioenergie Schuby (biomethane plant, Schuby),
- Nissen Biogas GmbH & Co. KG (agricultural biogas plant & post-EEG wind power plant, Nordhackstedt).
Biomethanisation uses special microorganisms to convert hydrogen and CO2 into methane. The concept is to use CO2 from biogenic sources (e.g. raw biogas contains up to 55% CO2) and "green" electrolysis hydrogen. The hydrogen is produced using electricity from renewable energy sources. Biomethanisation thus makes it possible to refine the waste material CO2 into a CO2-neutral and very storable energy carrier with a wide range of possible applications.
If the one-year feasibility study gives the go-ahead for implementation, the second step will be the construction of a large pilot plant (up to 150 m³ reactor volume) at the chosen site in Schleswig Holstein.