Electrochaea completes upscaling and standardization for 10 MW biomethanation plant

Source: Energy & Management Powernews, October 05, 2022

The company Electrochaea has completed the engineering for the first standardized 10 MW biomethanization plant designed for commercial operation.

The new biomethanization plant can produce several million m3 of renewable, synthetic methane annually, replacing natural gas in the same amount, according to a statement from the Munich-based company Elektrochaea. This, it said, offers an efficient solution for decarbonizing the energy system by storing renewable energy in the form of renewable methane. With the completion of the plant design, the multi-patented technology is now ready for global commercialization.

The climate-neutral, synthetic gas can be used just like natural gas for transport, heating and industrial processes, it adds. It also shows a decisive advantage in comparison with hydrogen: bio-methane can be stored and distributed within the existing gas infrastructure without any additional effort.

"The many solutions our plants offer in the fight against climate change make this technology attractive for companies, utilities and municipalities to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and provide their customers with an additional source of renewable energy," said Doris Hafenbradl, CTO and managing director at Electrochaea.

The upscaling and standardization of the commercial plant concept was completed under the European Innovation Council's (EIC) Accelerator Program, from which the company received a grant of about 2.5 million euros and an equity investment of nearly 15 million euros. Energy technology specialist Baker Hughes and Engie subsidiary Storengy are among the strategic investors in Electrochaea.

The Bavarian city of Pfaffenhofen plans to use the technology from Munich next year to achieve energy self-sufficiency using only renewable energy sources. Surplus electricity from wind and sun will be stored in the form of methane and used to supply heat when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing.

Author: Günter Drewnitzky