Title:
Comparison of SNG (Synthetic Natural Gas) Production Pathways for the Storage of Renewable Energy - a German Case Study
Author(s):
Fendt, S., Albrecht, F.G., Gaderer, M., Spliethoff, H.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
In the course of energy system transformation towards sustainability, SNG concepts using the existing natural gas grid as storage system for renewable energy have significantly gained importance in recent years. To evaluate the performance of SNG technology based on renewable energies, the three most advanced and relevant concepts called Biogas-to-SNG (biochemical), Syngas-to-SNG (thermochemical) and Power-to-SNG (electrochemical) are analyzed and compared in terms of development status, efficiencies, technical potential, production costs and ecological impacts. Finally, a brief survey among political organizations and energy companies is linked to the findings, to examine the future prospects of the three emerging SNG concepts. As a result, the Syngas-to-SNG concept seems considerably superior to the Biogas-to-SNG concept, especially in terms of technical potential and ecological impacts. Mean SNG-production costs of the Syngas-to-SNG concept range between 4.7 – 16.5 €ct/kWhSNG (average: 7.8) and are therefore in the same range as the production costs of the biogas-based SNG concept (5.6 – 11.6 €ct/kWhSNG (average: 8.8)). However, the gasification and methanation technology required for the Syngas-to-SNG concept is still at an early stage of development. Additionally, the lack of political support is going to hinder the further development of the Syngas-to-SNG concept. Due to the enormous storage potential of the German natural gas grid, the conversion of power into SNG by the Power-to-SNG concept is an attractive solution to store excess electricity from fluctuating power generation of renewable energies. Though, with an overall efficiency of the extended Power-to-SNG-to-Power process chain in the range of 28-45% and average SNG production costs of 8.2 €ct/kWhSNG, actually, the Power-to-SNG concept cannot compete with state-of-the-art power storage systems like pumped storage power plants. Nevertheless, the Power-to-SNG concept currently attracts a great deal of political attention and will therefore very likely gain considerable importance in the years to come. However, the discrepancy between recent natural gas costs and SNG costs are so significant that a sustainable development of all SNG concepts is highly dependent on subsidies and strong political support.
Keywords:
biomass, costs, efficiency, synthetic natural gas (SNG), renewable energies
Topic:
R&D on Processes for Solid, Liquid and Gaseous Fuels from Biomass
Subtopic:
Production and supply of biomethane
Event:
20th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
3DV.1.1
Pages:
1607 - 1611
ISBN:
978-88-89407-54-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/20thEUBCE2012-3DV.1.1
Price:
FREE
