BSEE-JUL21-P28 Renewables_Layout 1 23/06/2021 10:19 Page 28
BSEE
RENEWABLES
Improved biogas analysis key to unlocking ROI for anaerobic digestion plants
For many, one of the few positives to emerge from the COVID enforced lockdowns was a greater appreciation for our natural surroundings. Less traffic on the roads and fewer planes in the sky for large parts of 2020 enabled us to realise we have the potential to adapt to – and enjoy – a greener way of living, while also doing our bit to protect the world we live in.
ased on legislation passed earlier this year, the UK Government has also come to same conclusion. Its Sixth Carbon Budget remains its most ambitious yet, having enshrined into a law the target of cutting carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels . If achieved, it would bring the UK more than three quarters of the way to meeting ‘net zero’ by 2050. However, if such ambitious targets are to be admired, they must also be realised. While there is a clear strategy for tackling major emissions sources, such as the wider roll-out of ‘clean air zones’ in major urban environments to target vehicle emissions, and incentivising heat pump use over traditional gas boilers for the residential market, one of the most viable routes to achieving net zero seems to have been so far overlooked: biogas.
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We are now more than a year on from the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) launching its landmark Biomethane: The Pathway to 2030, which outlined the critical role biomethane can play in decarbonising the UK and achieving a net zero economy. Despite this, the level of investment in new AD sites remains low.
While factors such as policy change and COVID-19 have undoubtedly impacted the level of new AD installations, a significant opportunity remains to reposition biogas as a viable contributor to the UK’s decarbonising efforts. However, at the moment, this opportunity simply isn’t being taken.
For example, data compiled by the ADBA indicates that reverting to a more conducive policy environment, such as we saw from 2013 to 2015, could enable AD technology to produce 8 billion m3 biomethane/year – enough to heat 6.4 million homes by 2030. This would deliver a 6% reduction in total UK greenhouse gases emissions, specifically within the hard-to-decarbonise sectors of heat, transport, waste management and agriculture .
Mike White, Territory Manager – UK & Ireland at QED Environmental
While some of the traditional barriers to AD are well documented, such as lack of awareness, funding or adherence to best practice, ultimately, the successful operation of an AD
plant – and therefore central to incentivising greater take-up – hinges on return on investment. However, what may not be as well-known is that by making targeted improvements to the biogas analysis process, AD stakeholders could deliver a step-change in quality, and therefore ROI, for biogas production. For example, one of the biggest misconceptions around the subtleties of the biomethane production process is linked to feedstock ratios. With the UK producing in excess of 100 million tonnes of food waste and agricultural residue a year, AD is rightly lauded as viable way of transforming waste material into a sustainable energy source. However, scaling up the volume of feedstock will not deliver a like-for- like gas composition – and therefore quality – as this is ultimately determined by a myriad of interchangeable factors.
Gas analysis technology is key to understanding the composition of biogas, and using it more effectively can make a big difference to the quality of the gas that is produced, and therefore profitability of the overall operation. However, failing to keep a close eye on gas composition can not only result in a drop in quality, and therefore ROI, but also increase the level of hydrogen sulphide, oxygen, or water ingress and condensation, all of which could damage the CHP engine.
QED’s Geotech range of ATEX and IECEx-rated BIOGAS 3000 & 5000 gas analysis technology is designed to enable site operators to maximise gas production yield while offering improved protection to capital equipment. Able to monitor methane, oxygen and carbon dioxide as standard, users can also integrate the measurement of two additional gasses, including hydrogen, hydrogen sulphide, and carbon monoxide.
Crucially, while some operators may be sceptical about the added cost for more advanced gas analysis technology, the tangible improvement in both the quality and quantity of biomethane produced will ensure quick payback periods, following by several years of heightened profitability compared to entry-level systems. Ultimately, the fact of the matter is there should be little argument about the important role AD
For more information, please visit:
www.qedenv.com/markets-and-applications/biogas-and-biomethane 28 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JULY 2021 Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk ‘ Gas analysis technology
is key to understanding the composition of biogas, and using it more effectively can make a big difference to the quality of the gas that is produced
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can contribute towards achieving a net zero economy. However, viable AD operation comes down to ROI and improving the quality of measurement systems will allow operators to make any adjustments to deliver the highest quality of gas at the desired output. Not only will this improve its potential for energy production, it can also improve the operational life of the overall system.
When it comes to achieving net zero, there is no silver bullet. A holistic approach, targeting marginal gains across all viable avenues is by far and away the most effective way of reaching the targeted level of emissions reduction. However, by failing to embrace the opportunities that an intelligent approach to biogas production process can offer, we only risk making the task of achieving net zero so much harder. QED Environmental’s Geotech range of ATEX- accredited Biogas analysers provide robust, high quality gas monitoring for AD sites.
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