Knowledge

Bio-SNG

Bio‑SNG as a storage medium for renewable energy

Power‑to‑gas facilities convert surplus electricity from wind and solar energy into renewable hydrogen through electrolysis. When this hydrogen is converted into biomethane using renewable carbon dioxide, it is referred to as Bio‑SNG (Synthetic Natural Gas). Renewable electricity can therefore be converted into a storable energy carrier and used at a later point in time.

Bio‑SNG from renewable electricity generation

Bio‑SNG is produced from surplus electricity generated by photovoltaic systems and wind turbines that would otherwise remain unused. In conventional natural gas production from fossil energy sources, carbon dioxide is generated. In the power‑to‑gas process, hydrogen produced through electrolysis is methanised using renewable carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is used as a feedstock in the methanation process. The surplus oxygen can be released into the atmosphere.

Applications of Bio‑SNG

Gases, fuels and many chemical products can be produced through power‑to‑gas technology. Bio‑SNG can be used wherever natural gas is used today. It can serve as an energy storage medium for the electricity market, be used in existing heating systems or applied in industrial processes.

As a substitute for natural gas or in liquefied form (Bio‑LNG), it can also replace conventional fuels in passenger and heavy‑duty transport and contribute to increasing the share of renewable energy in the transport sector.

Bio‑SNG uses the gas grid

Germany has an extensive gas transmission network of around 600,000 km. Existing infrastructure can be used to transport and store Bio‑SNG over long distances.

The available storage capacities amount to several billion kilowatt‑hours and can be used to bridge extended periods of low solar irradiation and limited wind availability. The renewable gas can also be converted back into electricity in gas‑fired power plants and used flexibly.

Bio‑SNG and market development

Bio‑SNG can be produced from regionally available renewable energy sources. The associated value creation takes place locally. Pilot projects are already exploring potential markets for Bio‑SNG across different sectors.

Bio‑SNG can be used in many applications where gas is currently utilised, including mobility, power and heating systems, and the chemical industry. However, successful market deployment will depend on improving economic conditions and reducing regulatory barriers.