UK companies evaluate potential of bio-SNG

It would be more cost-effective than electric vehicles for reducing CO2 emissions and a credible option for trucks where the electric option is not practical, says the report.

Bio-SNG offers the possibility of substantial scale renewable methane production, according to the study. Furthermore, the major processes required to produce the fuel can be identified and assembled using existing technologies, and the estimated costs for a large-scale plant are very competitive with other renewable energy technologies. Bio-SNG delivered would also produce a typical saving of 90 per cent in lifecycle CO2 emissions compared with fossil fuels.

“Given appropriate incentives, renewable bio-SNG could form an increasingly important proportion of gas supplies and thus help the UK to meet the 2050 greenhouse gas reduction targets,” said National Grid executive director for gas distribution Mark Fairbairn. In turn, NEPIC’s chief executive Stan Higgins foresaw a future with “many and varied” low-carbon technologies. “Bio-SNG as a transport fuel offers a significant opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint,” he added.

Along with all unconventional energy infrastructure development, the study calls for new financing strategies as well as the government’s support. Companies involved are sharing the details of the report with the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Committee on Climate Change so that the Bio-SNG option and a UK demonstration project can be considered. The results of the study are also highly relevant to the current Defra Review of Waste Policies, as the production of biogas could help to maximise the contribution that waste management makes to the administration’s energy goals.