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Accessibility & LanguageBiomethane in Ireland
Summary
Funder |
Science Foundation Ireland, Gas Networks Ireland |
Researcher |
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Starting date |
01/10/2015 |
Finishing date |
30/09/2019 |
Summary and objectives |
The proposed research examines the overall feasibility of biomethane production via a nationwide system of biomass gasification and methanation. To date, the focus has been primarily on biological processes of conversion, such as anaerobic digestion (AD). In general, gasification and AD require different feedstocks. Gasification can handle second generation biofuels that could be largely available in Ireland, and already matter of research, such as dedicated energy crops of Miscanthus, short rotation coppice willow and forestry; or waste from other sectors: forestry residues, agricultural and animal wastes, non-recyclable and non-compostable solid waste, and dried grasses and wastewater sludges. In order to consider the possibility to use these indigenous natural resources, a study performed through the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology as defined in ISO 14040 is required to examine the impacts of individual segments of the biomass conversion life cycle, such as different feedstocks, new process technologies, or alternative end-use designs. These resources, according to Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, will be a cornerstone in the future energy mix in Ireland for heat, transport fuel and electricity supply and it will lead to the abatement of over 11Mt of CO2 annually and reach a total available resource of 3500 ktoe by 2050. Objectives: 1. Reviewing all the possible biomass energy sources available in Ireland, collecting data about their life cycle focusing on embodied energy and embodied carbon. 2. Modeling different configurations of bioenergy systems chains and evaluate their overall impact. 3. Comparing the bioenergy systems with a fossil fuel reference system and evaluating net energy, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (primarily CO2, CH4 and N2O). |
Projected research outputs |
The purpose of the project is to provide a decision-making tool for stakeholders to assess the viability of thermochemical approaches to biomethane production given indigenous resource availability, type and distribution, current and projected gas network infrastructure and capacity, and future demand for biomethane in the Irish grid. |
Conferences proceedings |
A Singlitico, I Kilgallon, J Goggins, RFD Monaghan. GIS-based optimisation model for the smart design of a nationwide bio-SNG production system for Ireland. 25th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition, Stockholm, Sweden, June 12-15, 2017 DH Siegismund, A Singlitico, I Kilgallon, J Goggins, T Van Rensburg, RFD Monaghan. The viability of bio-SNG production via gasification and methanation in Ireland: An assessment of supply barriers, socio-economic externalities and abatement strategies under consideration of ecosystem services. 25th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition, Stockholm, Sweden, June 12-15, 2017 A Singlitico, J Goggins, RFD Monaghan. Technical potential of bio-SNG produced via a nationwide system of gasification and methanation. World Sustainable Energy Days, Wels, Austria, March 1-3, 2017 A Singlitico, J Goggins, RFD Monaghan. Resource assessment for bio-SNG production via a nationwide system of gasification and methanation in Ireland. 6th International Symposium on Energy from Biomass and Waste, Venice, Italy, November 2016 A Singlitico, J Goggins, RFD Monaghan. Resources available for bio-SNG produced via a nationwide system of gasification and methanation in Ireland. Civil Engineering Research in Ireland 2016, Galway, Ireland, August 2016 A Singlitico, J Goggins, RFD Monaghan. A GIS-based assessment of energy potential from biomass and waste for thermochemical biomethane in Ireland. ISEH, ISEG & Geoinformatics 2016, Galway, Ireland, August 2016 A Singlitico, J Goggins, RFD Monaghan. Resource Assessment for bio-SNG production via a nationwide system of gasification and methanation in Ireland. 24th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, June 2016, DOI: 10.5071/24thEUBCE2016-4AV.2.14 |
Journal publications |
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Links |
