POWER-TO-GAS INTEGRATION TO BIOGAS GENERATION FROM VINASSE IN SUGARCANE ETHANOL INDUSTRY

Author(s)

Gallo, A. B. ; Santos, M. M. ; Joppert, C. L. ; Coelho, S. T. ; Moutinho dos Santos, E. ; Persson, M ; Scarlat, N ; Grassi, A ; Helm, P

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: 2022 25TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INFORMATION FUSION (FUSION 2022); v. N/A, p. 8-pg., 2018-01-01.

Abstract

Climate change, among other factors, have been motivating research, development and investments on less carbon intensive technologies. In energy sector, this movement has impelled the increasing use of renewable energy sources, especially solar and wind. However, these variable renewable energy sources cause challenges in supply-demand grid balance. Consequently, measures to increase grid flexibility are required, including the use of energy storage technologies. Power-to-gas is a promising one, providing seasonal storage as well as converting electricity into another energy carrier, contributing to energy convergence of electricity, gas and transportation sectors. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the PtG integration into vinasse biogas generation in sugarcane ethanol industry. This paper results show that, in a local analysis, this integration increases the biomethane delivery in a range of 58-65%. On national scope, the values are in a range from 1150-1300 Mm(3)/year. Local analysis shows that this increase would be equivalent to 7.5-10 times the diesel demand of heavy-duty vehicles from sugarcane ethanol industry. The potential GHG mitigation assessed by displacing diesel from transportation applications is in a range of 2.14-2.76 MtCO(2)/year, corresponding to 0.09-0.12% of Brazil's total emissions or 0.50-0.65% of energy use associated emissions. This paper shows an opportunity to harness renewable electricity surplus, improving renewable integration in power sector, expanding decision making options in sugarcane ethanol industry and promoting GHG emission mitigation in Brazil. These opportunities are aligned towards a cleaner, more efficient and sustainable energy sector. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/50279-4 - Brasil Research Centre for Gas Innovation
• Grantee: Julio Romano Meneghini
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program