Ny teknologi kan løfte biogasproduktionen med 50 pct.

Aarhus University is developing a new method to significantly increase the amount of green gas from biogas plants. The technology will now be tested on a large scale in Viborg. Aarhus University writes in a press release.

Researchers from Aarhus University are in the process of building a prototype of a new, modular technology that will transform CO₂ from biogas production into so-called e-methane. The technology is being developed in collaboration with companies from the PtX industry and can be integrated directly into existing biogas plants.

– Denmark is in a special position because we have so much biogas. With this technology, we can potentially face a future where we can both cover our current gas consumption, but also produce green gas for the sustainable conversion of heavy transport and shipping, says Associate Professor Michael Vedel Kofod, who is an associate professor at the Department of Bio- and Chemical Technology at Aarhus University.

The project, called E-CH4 Booster, has just received 24.6 million. DKK. in support from the Just Transition Fund. Of this, 8 million DKK goes to Aarhus University. The technology combines an electrolysis unit and a biomethanization reactor, which converts CO₂ into methane via microorganisms and hydrogen from renewable energy. The result is up to 50 percent higher gas production.

– In short, it is about using green energy, when it is cheap, to get even more green gas out of our biogas production and in this way avoid emitting all the CO₂ that we currently emit from biogas, says Thomas Lundgaard, deputy head of department at the Department of Bio- and Chemical Technology.

Although the prototype is now being built, the research continues, says Lundgaard.

– The large PtX projects have had a hard time due to high costs, dependence on large infrastructure investments, etc. However, here we have a solution that has the potential to - independently of all this - deliver green fuels in a much shorter time frame. The technology that is going to be put on the commercial market will fulfill an important function in the energy system of the future, and this requires that we constantly work on it. But as a university, we are very happy to be able to collaborate with talented Danish companies to make this happen - with the opportunities it offers for green transition, better security of supply and job creation, says Thomas Lundgaard.

The prototype is being developed in collaboration with the companies EMS ApS and Pura Futura. The project also involves Fredericia Maskinmesterskole and Rybners Erhvervsskole. Four researchers from Aarhus University have also joined the ownership group of Pura Futura.

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