Bio-HUB: local biogas for local industry

The energy transition is sometimes referred to as ‘The new industrial revolution’. After all, it affects all sectors and lagging behind is not an option! Nowadays, sustainability is also starting to play an increasingly prominent role on the agendas in the industrial sector. But, how can this sector become more sustainable? Biogas may offer a solution. Locally sourced energy, for the local industry!

Compensation forests as an emergency solution

Many companies have set themselves the target of reducing their CO₂ emissions by 50% by 2030. In many cases, CO₂ certificates are used for this, especially when it comes to the use of natural gas. This way, a company compensates their emission of CO₂ by, for example, investing in afforestation projects. Or, easier said: compensation by planting trees. Not a bad idea in itself, since trees absorb the emitted CO₂. Moreover, this option is also relatively inexpensive: about 1 euro per tonne of CO₂. Still, this compensation feels more like an emergency solution. After all, it does not address the actual CO₂ reduction in the industrial sector.

Biogas from the Bio-HUB as a sustainable energy source in local industry

At CCS we are therefore also working on biogas. This can be used as a sustainable and green energy source in the industrial sector. As a result, we tackle the CO₂ reduction at the source. Because you don’t have to compensate for what you don’t emit!

Manure is one of the sources of biogas production. The gas extraction from manure can be done on a small scale on one farm, or on a large scale using a central manure digester that several farms use (community manure fermentation). By interconnecting small-scale (mono) manure digesters, several farms can create a local biogas network together, a Bio-HUB. This biogas can be converted into heat, green gas or electricity. If biogas is supplied directly to industry, it is suitable for generating heat for production processes, for example.

Research

CCS is currently working on various projects in this area. For example, we look at the extent to which biogas from a Bio-HUB is an interesting and feasible option for various industries. An important condition for direct infeed of biogas is that there is a continuous decrease. The storage of biogas is difficult and makes the project more expensive.

Practise proves: biogas works in industry!

A good example of the industrial application of biogas is the project in Noord-Deurningen. Here, 6 farmers supply biogas directly to an industrial customer and a horticulturist. An additional advantage for the buyers is the direct link they have with the producer. Customers know where their sustainable gas comes from and can use it as a USP in communication with their customers.

More information?

Would you like more information about biogas? Or about the Bio-HUB as a sustainable solution for industry? Feel free to contact us.

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4 August 2021 / Author:

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