Brazilian biomethane could take the place of natural gas for green hydrogen production, according to a research project run by Sao Paulo university Unicamp.
The research project with power generation company Ambar Energiais is studying ways of lowering the cost of upgrading biogas into biomethane, and then using biomethane to produce low emission hydrogen. The main attraction for this method is that processing conventional natural gas or renewable natural gas (RNG) into hydrogen is already much less expensive than using electricity, according to Unicamp professor Hudson Zanin. The main challenge is the higher cost of biomethane compared with conventional gas.
"This is already applicable regarding the development of the technology, which would be the same as the natural gas process to make hydrogen," Zanin said. "But we still do not have enough biogas volume to make it economically viable."
The research and development project is six months into a three-year plan, but Zanin believes it will take Brazil longer to develop the technology to process biogas into hydrogen at industrial scale.
"In about five years there should be some commercialization with this technology, with relevant players offering solutions to the market," he said.
Another challenge for the hydrogen-generation route would be making sure it is accepted worldwide as a low-emission alternative.
"Biomethane uses the same process [for generating hydrogen] as natural gas, but it is a renewably sourced molecule," E+ Energy Transition Institute director Rosana Santos told Argus. "We already dominate the technology for this route, we only need more biomethane supply and green certifications. Yet, this route is not recognized as a green hydrogen pathway by many around the world."
There are three projects to expand Brazilian biomethane supply waiting final approval from hydrocarbons regulator ANP to begin operating, adding up to 149,100 m³/d to the existing 471,100 m³/d of capacity.
The regulator has no timetable for final approvals.
Another 10 biomethane plants, with more than 502,400 m³/d of capacity, are scheduled to finish construction this year.
