Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
16
Biomethane injection into natural gas
networks
WOLFGANG URBAN , Ecologic Institute, Germany
DOI: 10.1533/9780857097415.3.378
Abstract: Biomethane is a flexible and easily storable fuel that can be
used wherever natural gas is used without the need to change any
settings on equipment designed to use natural gas. In regions where a
natural gas grid already exists, there is a ready-made system for the
distribution of biomethane. This chapter briefly introduces: the legal
framework and technical standards of biomethane feed-in into the gas
network in Germany; the different subsidy schemes and reliefs to
encourage biomethane production or utilization; and the different
available options for biomethane feed-in and feed-in facilities. The
chapter also looks at one of the most challenging aspects of biomethane
feed-in - costs and energy efficiency - and outlines several options for
improvement.
Key words: biomethane, natural gas grid, grid injection, gas injection
regulation, gas conditioning.
16.1
Introduction
Biomethane is the only mature renewable energy vector that is currently
directly applicable in all of the sectors - electricity, heat and transport fuel.
It is easily storable and is an ideal option for flexible power generation in
cogeneration plants. Biogas, from which biomethane is most commonly
obtained, and biomethane are thus valuable contributors to the energy and
transport fuels markets and can be readily integrated into renewable energy
systems (Urban, 2010). The storage capacity of the natural gas grid may be
utilized and heat demand may be satisified independently of the location and
time of biogas production. The utilization of biomethane in cogeneration
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