Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) by thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions

Methanation for CO2 recycling with synthetic natural gas (SNG)

If green energy and a CO2 source are at hand, a prime route to sustainability is the production of synthetic natural gas. Via methanation, CO2 is captured and the gas can be directly used in our existing gas grid.

Why synthetic natural gas? It’s the “multitool” of energy transition

After the first step of producing green hydrogen with water electrolysis, the hydrogen has to be utilized. In most locations with significant renewable energy production, some kind of storage for later use is required – when neither sun nor wind generate enough energy for the demand. When hydrogen is converted into methane (the main ingredient of natural gas), this has several advantages at once.

Green SNG

Green SNG...

  • ...captures CO2 (CO2 + 4H2 -> CH4 + 2H2O)
  • ...can be put into the gas grid – no limitations
  • ...can be re-converted into energy anytime required
  • ...can be directly used for heating, industry, mobility

The gas grid – maybe the largest energy storage system which is already in place

The gas grid – maybe the largest energy storage system which is already in place

Storage Grid Map

“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.” Source: Gas infrastructure Europe (GIE)

Click here to download the Gas infrastructure Europe (GIE) Storage Map

It is in fact easier and cheaper to use existing infrastructure such as the gas grid to store large quantities of energy. Just think of winter times in Europe, or other periods without the necessary wind or sunshine. Here, scale and size matter!

Economies of scale: moving gas is the economical solution

Moving gas or moving electricity? The answer is simple if you look at the cost side.

Methanation solutions from a single source

Methanation solutions from a single source

thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions is in the quite unique position to offer all key technologies from one hand – plus the necessary global project execution competence. Our large-scale alkaline water electrolysis is designed in easy to deploy 20 MW modules, ready to serve the necessary industrial scale of green hydrogen production. Its performance is proven in the Carbon2Chem® project, where we also show how to produce green ammonia and green methanol from steel mill off-gases. The methanation process is also well-proven, such as in the STORE&GO demo in Falkenhagen, Germany. And as a global technology and EPC partner, we have realized more than 2500 chemical plants worldwide.

Methanation by thyssenkrupp – bringing SNG to scale

Methanation by thyssenkrupp – bringing SNG to scale

Store & Go Demo

A milestone for efficient methanation was the Demoplant in Falkenhagen for the STORE&GO project, where 57 m³/h of SNG were produced from renewable sources and injected into the gas grid (ONTRAS). Based on this operational experience, thyssenkrupp developed the process & layout concept for a 20 MW unit which can produce 1000 m³/h. The end product is H-gas (high calorific gas) quality, and our state-of-the art design stands for:

  • Minimized CAPEX & OPEX

  • Optimized heat integration

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

  • Reactor concepts for higher capacities available

STORE&GO Demo 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

Green Hydrogen and Green Chemicals Concept Development

Green hydrogen and green chemicals concept development brochure
All you need to assess the economic fesaibility of green hydrogen and green chemicals projects, from first concept to detailed modeling.

Your Contact

Dr. Steffen Schirrmeister
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