Abstract

Biomethane, as a replacement for natural gas, reduces the use of fossil-based sources and supports the intended change from fossil to bio-based industry. The study assessed different biomethane utilization routes for production of methanol, dimethyl ether (DME), and ammonia, as fuel or platform chemicals and combined heat and power (CHP). Energy efficiency and environmental impacts of the different pathways was studied in a life cycle perspective covering the technical system from biomass production to the end product. Among the routes studied, CHP had the highest energy balance and least environmental impact. DME and methanol performed competently in energy balance and environmental impacts in comparison with the ammonia route. DME had the highest total energy output, as fuel, heat, and steam, among the different routes studied. Substituting the bio-based routes for fossil-based alternatives would give a considerable reduction in environmental impacts such as global warming potential and acidification potential for all routes studied, especially CHP, DME, and methanol. Eutrophication potential was mainly a result of biomass and biomethane production, with marginal differences between the different routes.

Published in

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
2016, Volume: 4, article number: 89

SLU Authors

• Ahmadi Moghaddam, Elham

  • Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Ahlgren, Serina

  • Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Nordberg, Åke

  • Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all


UKÄ Subject classification

Bioenergy


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2016.00089

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/83487