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Holistic View on Synthetic Natural Gas Production: A Technical, Economic and Environmental Analysis

Author

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  • Estefania Vega Puga

    (Institute of Future Fuels, German Aerospace Center, Linder Hoehe, 51147 Cologne, Germany)

  • Gkiokchan Moumin

    (Institute of Future Fuels, German Aerospace Center, Linder Hoehe, 51147 Cologne, Germany)

  • Nicole Carina Neumann

    (Institute of Future Fuels, German Aerospace Center, Linder Hoehe, 51147 Cologne, Germany)

  • Martin Roeb

    (Institute of Future Fuels, German Aerospace Center, Linder Hoehe, 51147 Cologne, Germany)

  • Armin Ardone

    (Institute for Industrial Production, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hertzstr. 16, 76187 Karlsruhe, Germany)

  • Christian Sattler

    (Institute of Future Fuels, German Aerospace Center, Linder Hoehe, 51147 Cologne, Germany)

Abstract

Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) is the most researched option for a Power-to-Fuel pathway in Germany after hydrogen, having the advantage of being compatible with the existing infrastructure. However, it is not clear under which conditions SNG is economically and environmentally advantageous compared to natural gas usage, since this is determined by a complex interplay of many factors. This study analyzes the technical, economic and environmental aspects of a pilot SNG plant to determine the key parameters for profitable and sustainable operation. The SNG plant was simulated in Aspen Plus ® with CO 2 from biogas production as a feedstock and with hydrogen provided by a 1 MW el electrolyzer unit. A life cycle analysis (LCA) was undertaken considering several impact categories with a special focus on global warming potential (GWP). An SNG cost of 0.33–4.22 €/kWh th was calculated, depending on factors such as operational hours, electricity price and type of electrolyzer. It was found that the CO 2 price has a negligible effect on the SNG cost, while the electricity is the main cost driver. This shows that significant cost reductions will be needed for SNG to be competitive with natural gas. For the investigated scenarios, a CO 2 tax of at least 1442 €/t was determined, calling for more drastic measures. Considering the global warming potential, only an operation with an emission factor of electricity below 121 g CO 2 -eq/kWh el leads to a reduction in emissions. This demonstrates that unless renewable energies are implemented at a much higher rate than predicted, no sustainable SNG production before 2050 will be possible in Germany.

Suggested Citation

  • Estefania Vega Puga & Gkiokchan Moumin & Nicole Carina Neumann & Martin Roeb & Armin Ardone & Christian Sattler, 2022. "Holistic View on Synthetic Natural Gas Production: A Technical, Economic and Environmental Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-27, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:5:p:1608-:d:755296
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Bucksteeg, Michael & Mikurda, Jennifer & Weber, Christoph, 2023. "Integration of power-to-gas into electricity markets during the ramp-up phase—Assessing the role of carbon pricing," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).

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