Technology
What is it?
Biogas is mixed with steam in the presence of a catalyst at high temperatures (~750°C) and moderate pressure to produce syngas. Biogas is obtained via the anaerobic digestion of biomass; therefore, this method is considered a composite of biological hydrogen production and biomass conversion.
Why is it important?
Biomass is plentiful, regenerative and removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making this process carbon neutral. Coupling the process with CCUS has the potential to make it carbon negative.
Characteristics
- Inputs: Water, heat, biogas
- By-products: CO2
- Operating temperature: ~750°C
Benefits
- Makes use of biogas obtained from biomass
- Makes use of similar reforming process as with steam methane reforming
- Zero-to-low carbon emissions
Limitations
- Operation of steam methane reforming systems to reform biogas is inefficient at small scale
- Note: The TRL for this method varies depending on process
RD&D priorities
- Develop CCUS technologies
- Improve anaerobic digestion process
- Develop methane/CO2 separation technologies
- Optimise operating parameters such as catalyst characteristics, temperature, throughput and concentration
- Improve reactor and process design for greater energy efficiency
- Integrate renewable energy sources. For example, concentrated solar power can act as a thermal energy source for the process
Known active organisations
- Macquarie University
- Queensland University of Technology
- The University of Newcastle