Is biogas an energy or a sustainability product? - Business opportunities in the Finnish biogas branch

Winquist, Erika; Rikkonen, Pasi; Pyysiäinen, Jarkko; Varho, Vilja

doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.06.181

Cited by 104 publications

(74 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…Such biogas development must be focused on sustainability so that every part of the biogas life cycle is integrated with its neighboring component, from production to use [9]. Thus, laws of a circular economy offer using biogas resources not only for heat [10] and electricity production, but also in transportation as an alternative to fossil fuels [11]. Using biogas as a fuel for internal combustion engines allows one to also use it in vehicles and stationary cogeneration power plants, which use a diesel generator to produce electricity [12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative Study on the Energetic and Ecologic Parameters of Dual Fuels (Diesel–NG and HVO–Biogas) and Conventional Diesel Fuel in a CI Engine

2020

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The Article presents the results of the experimental research and numerical analysis of a compression ignition (CI) engine adapted for running on dual fuels of different composition (diesel and natural gas, diesel and biogas, biodiesel and natural gas, and biodiesel and biogas). The main goal was to find out the impact of different dual fuels on energy performance and emissions depending on the start of injection (SOI) of diesel and the crank angle degree (CAD). Pure conventional diesel fuel and second generation hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) (Neste) was used in the research. Natural gas contained 97 vol. % of methane. Biogas (biomethane) was simulated using a methane and carbon dioxide blend consisting of 60 vol. % of methane and 40 vol. % of carbon dioxide. Dual (liquid and gaseous) fuels were used in the tests, with the energy share of liquid fuels accounting for 40% and gas for 60%. The research results have shown that having replaced conventional diesel fuel with dual fuel, engine’s BTE declined by 11.9–16.5%. The use of methane in the dual fuel blend reduced CO2 volumetric fraction in the exhaust gases by 17–20%, while biomethane increased CO2 volumetric fraction by 10–14%. Dual fuel significantly increased CO and HC emissions, but NOx volumetric fraction decreased by 67–82% and smoke by 23–39%. The numerical analysis of the combustion process revealed changes in the ROHR (Rate of Heat Release) that affected engine efficiency and exhaust emissions was done by AVL (Anstalt für Verbrennungskraftmaschinen List) BOOST program.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative Study on the Energetic and Ecologic Parameters of Dual Fuels (Diesel–NG and HVO–Biogas) and Conventional Diesel Fuel in a CI Engine

2020

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“…Moreover, Huttunen et al [39] identify inadequate policy cohesion resulting from conflicting political targets and policy instruments. Winquist et al [40] find some improvement in the recognition of biogas and the related benefits in recent policy documents, also outside of the energy sector. However, actual objectives and measures to promote biogas usage remain very generic.…”

Section: Scope Of the Papermentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The established principles of technology neutrality and preference for market-based solutions make Finnish policy planning tricky in the biogas sector, as all use cases should be treated equally [35]. This is evident in the recent policy documents which, while recognizing the possibilities of domestic biogas production, remain very generic in terms of objectives and measures proposed [40]. Moreover, biogas faces a range of competitors and regulations in the transport use case in particular.…”

Section: Policy Instrumentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A separate scheme subsidizes biogas plants located on farms with a requirement to utilize the energy produced on agricultural activities on site [71]. Should the farm prioritize selling biogas to the transport sector, a separate company has to be formed in order to be eligible for an investment grant [40]. This, in turn, leads to some limitations in terms of investments covered and a lower level of financial support.…”

Section: Feasibility Of Biogas Productionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…That know-how, institutional capacity, and supply-side coordination have recently been identified as the main constraints for bioenergy in general on the European level [9] speaks for the need for policy cohesion. Although biogas amply supports the contemporary Finnish strategies for bio-economy and circular economy and the national targets for a higher share of renewable energy and energy independence, these targets and the respective policy instruments are neither well defined nor aligned [39,40]. Uncertainty as to how political institutions treat biogas and gas operated vehicles hampers the development of forest-based biogas, in particular due to the high capital costs and intensive energy consumption inherent in the gasification process [83].…”

Section: Policy Cohesion-towards the National Biogas Planmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Potential of Biomethane in Replacing Fossil Fuels in Heavy Transport—A Case Study on Finland

et al. 2019

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Electrification is a frequently discussed solution for reducing transport related carbon dioxide emissions. However, transport sectors such as aviation and heavy-duty vehicles remain dependent on on-board fuels. Here, biomethane is still a little exploited solution, and the case of heavy-duty vehicles is particularly underappreciated despite the recent technical advances and potentially notable emission reductions. This paper discusses the potential of biomethane in heavy-duty road transport in the case of Finland, where the utilization rate is low compared to the technical potential. To this end, the potential of biomethane production through both anaerobic digestion and gasification was calculated in three scenarios for the heavy-duty transport fleet, based on the literature values of biomethane potential and truck class fuel consumption. The authors find that approximately half of the heavy-duty transport in Finland could be biomethane fueled by 2030. The estimated production costs for biomethane (81-190 €/MWh) would be competitive with the current consumer diesel price (152 €/MWh). Utilizing the total biomethane potential in heavy-duty transport would furthermore decrease the respective carbon dioxide emissions by 50%. To accelerate the transition in the heavy-duty transport sector, a more comprehensive political framework is needed, taking into account both production and consumption.

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Comparative Analysis of Barriers for Renewable Energy Technologies Diffusion in Finland and Poland

Juszczyk

Shakeel

2020

Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing

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Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) are critical for the energy transition towards environmentally friendly solutions. There are many international regulations enhancing climate change mitigation. However, on a national level, disruptive technologies often struggle with many various barriers. There is ample evidence supporting the claim that innovative energy technologies require the whole ecosystem to support their diffusion. In fact, it is often a case that the change starts at the regional level. Therefore, some country-specific limitations are worth investigating.In this study, we examine various barriers of renewable energy technologies diffusion in the case of two European countries: Finland and Poland in the first phase. It served to perform a comparative analysis in a second stage, revealing the similarities and differences between them. An analysis provides insightful knowledge about the current constraints of widespread and effective renewable energy technologies diffusion. As a conclusion, the directions and possibilities for improvement are suggested.

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Is biogas an energy or a sustainability product? - Business opportunities in the Finnish biogas branch

Cited by 104 publications

References 20 publications

Comparative Study on the Energetic and Ecologic Parameters of Dual Fuels (Diesel–NG and HVO–Biogas) and Conventional Diesel Fuel in a CI Engine

Comparative Study on the Energetic and Ecologic Parameters of Dual Fuels (Diesel–NG and HVO–Biogas) and Conventional Diesel Fuel in a CI Engine

The Potential of Biomethane in Replacing Fossil Fuels in Heavy Transport—A Case Study on Finland

Comparative Analysis of Barriers for Renewable Energy Technologies Diffusion in Finland and Poland

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