Green SNG

If a green energy source and CO2 are available, synthetic natural gas (SNG) production is a fantastic route to sustainability. CO2 is converted via methanation and the resulting gas can be directly injected into the existing gas grid.

Why SNG is the multitool of energy transition

Once hydrogen has been produced, the question of its use arises. In most locations where renewable energy is widely available, some form of storage for later use is required. Converting hydrogen into methane (the main ingredient of SNG) has numerous advantages.

Green SNG benefits

Green SNG benefits

  • captures CO2 (CO2 + 4 H2 --> CH4 + 2 H20)

  • can be injected into the gas grid

  • can be used as energy storage and converted back into electricity anytime

  • can be used directly in the sectors heating, industry and mobility

Gas storage capacity stands at 1131 TWh and gas storage facilities across EU28 can deliver up to 22 TWh of natural gas per day. The storage capacity represents 21% of annual gas consumption in Europe.

Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE)

Of course, where possible it is best to use existing infrastructure such as the natural gas grid to store large energy quantities. The size and scale of the gas grid are particularly important with regard to winter or other times when the availability of solar and wind energy is low.

Methanation by thyssenkrupp - briringing SNG to scale

Methanation by thyssenkrupp - briringing SNG to scale

A milestone for proving the efficiency of our methanation process was the demonstration plant in Falkenhagen, Germany. In the STORE&GO project, 47 m3/h of SNG were generated using renewable sources and injected into the gas grid (ONTRAS). Based on this great success and our operational experience, thyssenkrupp has developed a process & layout concept for a 20 MW unit that produces 1000 m3/h. The end product is H-gas (high calorific gas) quality. Our state-of-the-art design is synonymous with:

  • Minimized CAPEX & OPEX

  • Optimized heat integration

  • Proven operating concepts for start-up and stand-by

  • Reactor concepts for higher capacities available

STORE&GO Demonstration Unit

  • Renewable hydrogen: 210 m³/h (from existing PtG plant)

  • Biogenic CO2: 52.5 m³/h (external supply)

  • SNG production: 57 m³/h (catalytic)

  • Injection of SNG into natural gas grid (ONTRAS)

  • Start of operation: Q2 2018, end of operation: Q1 2020

Methanation by thyssenkrupp - briringing SNG to scale

Methanation by thyssenkrupp - briringing SNG to scale

A milestone for proving the efficiency of our methanation process was the demonstration plant in Falkenhagen, Germany. In the STORE&GO project, 47 m3/h of SNG were generated using renewable sources and injected into the gas grid (ONTRAS). Based on this great success and our operational experience, thyssenkrupp has developed a process & layout concept for a 20 MW unit that produces 1000 m3/h. The end product is H-gas (high calorific gas) quality. Our state-of-the-art design is synonymous with:

  • Minimized CAPEX & OPEX

  • Optimized heat integration

  • Proven operating concepts for start-up and stand-by

  • Reactor concepts for higher capacities available

STORE&GO Demonstration Unit

  • Renewable hydrogen: 210 m³/h (from existing PtG plant)

  • Biogenic CO2: 52.5 m³/h (external supply)

  • SNG production: 57 m³/h (catalytic)

  • Injection of SNG into natural gas grid (ONTRAS)

  • Start of operation: Q2 2018, end of operation: Q1 2020

Our Purpose: We create a livable planet

thyssenkrupp Uhde connects 100 years of strong heritage with the future. Thanks to our innovations and solutions, we helped to provide food, mobility, and much more to the world. We strive to minimize emissions, reduce feedstock consumption - and with green chemicals, help to create completely CO2-free value chains.