Biogas Utilization Opportunities in Ostrobothnia Region : findings from the project
Spoof-Tuomi, Kirsi; Nuortila, Carolin; Berg, Petra; Myllykangas, Aino (2022-11-10)
Vaasan yliopisto
10.11.2022
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-395-051-1
https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-395-051-1
Kuvaus
vertaisarvioimaton
Tiivistelmä
This final report summarizes the key results of the "Biogas Utilization Opportunities in Ostrobothnia Region" project, which was conducted from March 2020 - September 2022 by the University of Vaasa.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere, replacing fossil fuels with renewable fuels, and reducing waste play a key role in the EU's climate recycling targets. Biogas has a vital role to play in achieving these goals. However, the utilization of biogas in Finland is still limited, and it can be stated that the biogas market and the infrastructure enabling the market operation are still developing. The overall goal of this project was to build new knowledge and create favorable conditions for biogas business and biogas use to grow through techno-economic studies, measurements, and common operation models.
Screening of real-driving emissions of a biogas-fueled city bus and the well-to-wheels analysis showed that up to 90 % greenhouse gas emission savings could be achieved by switching from liquid fossil fuel to biomethane. In addition to the biogas use as a traffic fuel, we investigated the possibilities of industrial operators and the local energy sector to switch to renewable biogas in their operations. To make biogas a realistic alternative for them and other potential new end-users – such as heavy transport and the maritime sector – the production and supply of liquefied biomethane, in particular, needs to be increased. Investments in local biogas liquefaction and a regional biogas pipeline could be the next major step in promoting biogas use in Ostrobothnia.
The greenhouse industry could contribute with biomass waste material to biogas production. Biogas could in return also be employed in combined heat and power applications in greenhouse operations. Nonetheless, the greenhouse industry is already utilizing a lot of other bioenergy in heating. Carbon dioxide capture at biogas production plants is technically possible, and appears to be or become implemented at several sites in Europe.
In the project, three biogas scenarios were created for Ostrobothnia, based on the findings from literature, interviews, and workshops as well as the project’s own calculations. The future direction of biogas solutions in Ostrobothnia is still unclear due to legislative issues, investment costs, and lack of knowledge. With sufficient support, the biogas sector can be expected to grow considerably.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere, replacing fossil fuels with renewable fuels, and reducing waste play a key role in the EU's climate recycling targets. Biogas has a vital role to play in achieving these goals. However, the utilization of biogas in Finland is still limited, and it can be stated that the biogas market and the infrastructure enabling the market operation are still developing. The overall goal of this project was to build new knowledge and create favorable conditions for biogas business and biogas use to grow through techno-economic studies, measurements, and common operation models.
Screening of real-driving emissions of a biogas-fueled city bus and the well-to-wheels analysis showed that up to 90 % greenhouse gas emission savings could be achieved by switching from liquid fossil fuel to biomethane. In addition to the biogas use as a traffic fuel, we investigated the possibilities of industrial operators and the local energy sector to switch to renewable biogas in their operations. To make biogas a realistic alternative for them and other potential new end-users – such as heavy transport and the maritime sector – the production and supply of liquefied biomethane, in particular, needs to be increased. Investments in local biogas liquefaction and a regional biogas pipeline could be the next major step in promoting biogas use in Ostrobothnia.
The greenhouse industry could contribute with biomass waste material to biogas production. Biogas could in return also be employed in combined heat and power applications in greenhouse operations. Nonetheless, the greenhouse industry is already utilizing a lot of other bioenergy in heating. Carbon dioxide capture at biogas production plants is technically possible, and appears to be or become implemented at several sites in Europe.
In the project, three biogas scenarios were created for Ostrobothnia, based on the findings from literature, interviews, and workshops as well as the project’s own calculations. The future direction of biogas solutions in Ostrobothnia is still unclear due to legislative issues, investment costs, and lack of knowledge. With sufficient support, the biogas sector can be expected to grow considerably.