Electrogas - The renewable e-power buffer

ElectroGas is about storing electricity power. Wind and solar-based energy are important alternatives to fossil fuels, but an unavoidable consequence is periods of over and under capacity in electricity grid. There is therefore a need for efficient storage systems. ElectroGas develop knowledge and technology which can take surplus electricity from renewable energy and use it to upgrade CO2 to CH4, which can then be stored for demand driven electricity production, or injected into the natural gas grid. Upgrading is achieved by means of microorganisms already present in biogas reactors, and can be carried out effectively at a very low price. The conversion of electricity to CH4 is either via electrolysis of water into H2, which is then mixed into the biogas reactor. Another radically innovative approach pursued in ElectroGas is to directly supply the biogas reactor with electricity/reducing equivalents, which the bacteria are expected to convert to biochemical energy that can transform CO2 into CH4. There is a significant need for knowledge and technology, but technology is expected to be affordable and easy to retrofit on almost all types of biogas plants already in operation. The project will provide important new scientific knowledge and new technology which will result in a significant increase in the flexibility of the renewable energy system and furthermore open a significant global market for the companies involved. Already operating Danish biogas plants could through application of the planned technology possibly absorb and store over 75% of the excess power, which today is practically given away for free.