Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
18
Biomethane for transport applications
MATT I AS SVENS SON , Swedish Gas Technology Centre, Sweden
DOI: 10.1533/9780857097415.3.428
Abstract: This chapter describes the fundamentals, potential and synergy
of jointly using biomethane and natural gas in the transport sector. In
the absence of an extensive national gas grid, biomethane distribution
logistics of liquefied biogas (LBG) or compressed biogas (CBG) by road
is capital intensive; however, biomethane represents an opportunity to
make the natural gas vehicle (NGV) market green, forming a virtual gas
grid. The promotional value of biomethane may offset some of the extra
costs, particularly so when contemplating a future paradigm shift
towards a fully sustainable society. The status and growth prospects of
the Swedish and the world NGV market are described and discussed.
Gas quality issues and relevant vehicle technology developments are also
covered.
Key words: biomethane, natural gas vehicle (NGV) market, virtual gas
grid, sustainable society, Sweden.
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18.1 Biomethane as a transport fuel
The need to counter pollution and climate-influencing emissions from
energy generation and utilization is acute. Many avenues are available
regarding heat and power, but a tougher challenge is finding a replacement
to counteract the almost total oil dependency of our transport system.
Besides minimizing our transport needs, the transport system needs to
become more energy efficient and be based on a higher proportion of
renewable fuels. Biomethane is a high-quality energy carrier, fully miscible
and interchangeable from a combustion point-of-view with its fossil
counterpart natural gas. This is not the case for other biofuels. It is a
gaseous drop-in fuel with no blending limitations and end-user complica-
tions, if sufficiently purified. Of the second-generation biofuels, biomethane
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