EnviTec Biogas Completes Conversion of Germany’s Largest Bio-LNG Plant, Prepares for Operations
EnviTec Biogas has recently announced the successful completion of the conversion and assembly work at BioEnergie Park Güstrow, Germany’s largest integrated bio-LNG plant with bio-CO2 liquefaction, located in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The company is now ready to initiate the plant’s operational phase.
Frank Hinken, the managing director of EnviTec Bioenergie Güstrow, expressed his satisfaction, stating that with the integration of the final component – a 300,000-litre LCO2 tank made of pressure vessel steel – the plant is now ready for the test phase with all the newly installed components.
The process at BioEnergie Park Güstrow involves upgrading the raw biogas to natural gas quality using the EnviThan gas upgrading process. The CO2-enriched exhaust air resulting from the gas treatment process, which contains minimal methane, is then sent to the CO2 liquefaction plant (LCO2 plant) for further treatment. This produces liquid carbon dioxide, which finds application in various sectors, such as food and beverage production and greenhouses.
Jürgen Tenbrink, the chief technology officer of EnviTec Biogas, praised the active circular economy approach employed at the plant. The off-gas generated during CO2 liquefaction, containing non-condensable gases like nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, and methane, is directed to the combined heat and power plants on-site to generate energy for self-supply. This process significantly contributes to a greener transport sector.
Expected to be fully operational by late summer this year, the plant is set to produce 25,000 kg of bio-LNG daily, catering to heavy-duty transport vehicles. EnviTec Biogas estimates that this will provide green fuel for over 50,000,000 lorry kilometers (31,068,550 miles) per year.
The liquefaction of biomethane is simultaneously accompanied by the liquefaction of carbon dioxide through the gas treatment process. The outcome is 15,000 metric tonnes per year of liquid carbon dioxide, meeting food quality standards, effectively substituting fossil-based carbon dioxide. This substantial improvement in the plant’s CO2 footprint is another step towards promoting sustainability and environmental conservation.
