GHG Savings Calculation: Switch from Electricity Production to Biomethane. Case Study

Carbon dioxide is one of the main components of greenhouse gases. The amount of anthropogenic CO2 emissions in the atmosphere reached 37.9 Gt, which is 60 % more than in 1990. The use of CO2 in the production of valuable products can help to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. Biomethane fuel production could be a successful solution in Latvia as well. The work includes a case study of a Latvian biogas production facility Agro Iecava with a switch from biogas to biomethane production. All calculations are made according to REDcert rules. For biofuel production the Plant uses 13 types of substrates, which is also reflected in the calculation. The work shows a step-by-step algorithm for research and analysis. The experience can be used at other biogas production stations, regardless of its location. The analysis of the Plant shows that switching to biomethane production saves up to 80.34 % of GHG emissions (with an estimated loss during transportation in the network of 1 %). In the worst-case scenario, this amount is 76.34 % (loss from transportation is 5 %), which is also above the minimum indicated in the Renewable Energy Directive

Calculation of Greenhouse Gas Savings: Switch from Electricity Production to Biomethane. Case Study

Greenhouse gases are mainly comprised of carbon dioxide. In 2021, anthropogenic CO2 emissions in the atmosphere have risen to 37.9 Gt, a 60 % increase from the levels observed in 1990. The production of high-value products using CO2 can contribute to decreasing atmospheric CO2 levels and advancing the objectives of the Green Deal. In Latvia, biofuel–biomethane production may also present a viable solution. Diversifying the energy sector, which can benefit the country's economy, is another advantage of this scenario. The study examines the transformation of a Latvian biogas production facility, which shifts towards producing biomethane as its final product. The study also involves the computation of greenhouse gas emission reductions resulting from utilizing biomethane instead of biogas in the network