Biocatalytic power-to-methane

Dörentrup, Germany

Here, electricity from solar energy is converted into hydrogen by electrolysis. Hydrogen is then converted into natural gas by biocatalysis using carbon dioxide. The produced methane can be stored in the existing infrastructure. Carbon dioxide is produced during alcoholic fermentation, for example in the production of spirits or beer, but also in the production of bioethanol, which is added to the fuel.

One of the partners in the project is Südzucker AG. “Südzucker operates large bioethanol plants. The recycling of carbon dioxide improves the carbon footprint of production and in the best case also the evaluation of the bioethanol product, ”explains Timo Broeker from TH OWL.

The pilot plant will also be used to evaluate further use-cases during practical operation, like methanation of biogas, production of hybrid e/bio-fuels or power grid balancing.

More information here and here (both in German).