Techno-economic assessment of a plant for the upgrading of MSW biogas to synthetic natural gas by thermocatalytic methanation

Sanz-Monreal, P. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Mercader, V.D. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Aragüés-Aldea, P. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Durán, P. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Francés, E. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Herguido, J. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Peña, J.A. (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of a plant designed to produce synthetic natural gas (SNG) from biogas through direct catalytic methanation. The proposed facility is simulated with Aspen Plus® v14, using a comprehensive approach that covers the entire process, from biogas pretreatment to the production of the final product. The installation aims to contribute to the development of Power-to-Gas (Power-to-Methane) strategy for decarbonization.
The plant, to be located in northeastern Spain, operates at an industrial scale with a production capacity of approximately 1100 Nm3/h of SNG, obtained from a 1425 Nm3/h biogas plant. The process includes five main stages to meet Spanish gas quality standards for grid injection: desulfurization, using amines for sulfur removal; electrolysis, for the generation of renewable hydrogen; thermocatalytic methanation, which combines CO2 from the biogas with hydrogen to enrich the methane content; dehydration, to meet SNG moisture specifications; and cogeneration, intended for the joint production of electricity and steam to meet the plant's energy demands.
A detailed analysis of investment costs (CAPEX) and operational expenses (OPEX) is conducted, identifying the key factors influencing the project's profitability. The economic assessment indicates a total capital investment of 21.83 M€ and operational expenses nearly 8 M€ annually. The profitability threshold for the base scenario is estimated at 91.75 €/MWh, exceeding the 2023 natural gas market average in the Iberic peninsula (39.11 €/MWh), highlighting the current economic challenges of SNG production.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2025.107871

Año: 2025

Publicado en: BIOMASS & BIOENERGY 198 (2025), 107871 [14 pp.]
ISSN: 0961-9534

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/AEI/PID2022-136947OB-I00
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/T43-23R
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN/PRE2020-095679

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Área Ingeniería Química (Dpto. Ing.Quím.Tecnol.Med.Amb.)
Área (Departamento): Proy. investigación HKA (Dpto. Ing.Quím.Tecnol.Med.Amb.)