Title : Potential for regional hydrogen production from biogas based on case studies at two biogas plants in Thuringia, Germany
Abstract:
In Germany, biogas plants contribute to predictable and flexible power generation by using combined heat and power units, which are fuelled by biogas – a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide. However, the units can only achieve high efficiency if the thermal energy generated is also used in sufficient amounts and a large fraction of the biogas plants in Germany are not located near potential thermal energy consumers. In such cases it is more efficient to either upgrade the biogas to biomethane or produce hydrogen from biogas via decentral steam reforming, depending on existing infrastructure and local demand. Since German biogas plants are predominantly operated by farmers with substantial roof space and agricultural areas, which could be used for photovoltaic systems and wind turbines, the presented study also takes a look at additional hydrogen production via electrolysers.
In this presentation, the technical possibilities for steam reforming of biogas at two existing biogas plants in Thuringia are examined and concepts for the local use of the generated hydrogen in public transport are presented. In addition, the basic potential of this approach and the possibilities of future integration of biogas plants into larger hydrogen supply networks in the region around the city of Mühlhausen, Germany are discussed. The results of the study show that hydrogen production from biogas is technically feasible and can play a role in facilitating the conversion to a hydrogen economy, but under the current market conditions it is not economically competitive with upgrading biogas to biomethane.
