#BiogasClass - Vol. 12: New Biogas Tech at COP28 | Biogas Engines Launched | Delivery of 5 Biodiesel Coaches | EU Approves €140m for Portugal BioLNG

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This is the BiogasClass-room, learning all things new related to Biogas/RNG, Anaerobic Digestion, Feedstocks and Biofuels in the new world of Energy Transition. Bioenergy is useful to us all as waste is never wasted but turned into value like transportation fuels, energy, heating, fertilizers, cooking and more!

🎛️Technology of the Week

Southern California Gas Company ( SoCalGas ) unveiled an innovative technology at COP28 UAE , developed by UCLA researchers, utilizing biogas and renewable solar energy, with the aim to produce hydrogen and high-quality cylindrical graphite using renewable solar energy and biogas. The technology, if approved by the California Public Utility Commission, could have applications in fuel cells, microgrids, and utility-scale hydrogen production.

Neil Navin , Chief Clean Fuels Officer at SoCalGas quoted that, "Having this innovative technology showcased during COP28 alongside 99 other innovative technologies highlights the importance of cultivating a broad range of climate solutions to help meet the global needs specific to each economy."

UCLA's project, transitioning from the laboratory to real-world demonstration, seeks additional funding with potential demonstration sites under consideration. The field demonstration is set for the second half of 2024, aiming for scalability in various applications, from modular fuel cells to utility-scale hydrogen production and storage systems. SoCalGas is actively contributing to California's carbon neutrality goals, developing Angeles Link, a proposed renewable hydrogen pipeline system, and exploring hydrogen blending standards to advance clean fuel adoption through the natural gas system.

🏭Company of the Week

Scania Group the trucking and coach business wins company of the week! Scania introduced its latest biogas engine generation, boasting a 5% fuel efficiency improvement compared to its predecessors. Unveiled at last year's IAA show in Hanover, Germany, the 13-liter biogas engines, available with 420hp or 460hp, incorporate components from the latest Super diesel powertrain for enhanced fuel savings. Coupled with G25 gearboxes and axles, tests indicate potential 5% fuel savings in long-haul operations. These engines represent a refinement of the previous 13-liter gas units, with increased power outputs and compliance preparations for future legal requirements, according to Scania.

Ola Henriksson , Senior Product Manager for renewable fuels at Scania Trucks, said: “Biomethane fuels are the solution for those customers who want to start a decarbonisation journey without any delay. “Our biogas engines cover a wide span of industries and applications. A 40-tonne tractor-and-trailer combination can achieve ranges of up to 1,800 km when specified with the biggest Bio-LNG tank solutions that we offer. Add the 460hp and the 2,300Nm engine and you have a perfect tool for European long-haul. “Just as the Super engine benefits from the increased spread in the G25 gearbox, so do the biogas engines. When paired with the Scania Opticruise gearbox and the new axles, the biogas engines can operate very close to their ‘sweet spot’ most of the time. Put together, it results in 5% fuel savings from this powertrain.”

⛽Latest Biogas (RNG) & Biofuels Updates

Scania's delivery of five biodiesel-fuelled coaches

Still speaking of Scania Group ! Murrays Coaches, the leading coach and bus hire in Queensland, Australia, remains committed to lowering emissions, welcoming five new biodiesel-powered vehicles from Scania Group . Operating transit contracts between Brisbane and regional Queensland, Murrays Coaches anticipates a significant over 80% reduction in CO2 emissions with the introduction of five Scania coaches running on standard B100 Biodiesel. The use of locally produced biodiesel not only fosters cleaner emissions but also diminishes dependence on imported fuels, accelerating Murrays Coaches' pursuit of environmental sustainability. The order for these five coaches, equipped with BCI bodies, was prompted by a customer seeking a low-emission solution for transporting workers from Brisbane to the Queensland interior. In 2022, Scania seamlessly facilitated the transition to biodiesel compatibility for two existing coaches in Murrays' fleet.

Julian Gurney the Scania Australia Bus and Power Solutions Director of Sales, “Increasingly our customers are asking us how they can reduce their carbon footprints, all through the business chain, there is a growing interest in reducing emissions. “The good news is that we have solutions to these requests here and now and ready for implementation. In fact, all our bus engines can run on a blend of diesel and biodiesel from B10 all the way to B100, as in the case with Murrays Coaches, direct from the factory. ”Murrays will be supplied by Scania’s partner ECOTECH Biodiesel, with deliveries made via Refuelling Solutions."

The new BCI bodied Scania-powered coaches entering service with Murrays now will be used to ferry workers to and from The Surat Basin

EU approves €140m state aid for Portugal’s biomethane and hydrogen production

The European Commission has granted approval for a €140 million Portuguese initiative aimed at supporting the production of renewable hydrogen and biomethane. The scheme aligns with the objectives of the Green Deal Industrial Plan, emphasizing the transition toward a net-zero economy. Approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, the aid will be provided through a variable premium under a ten-year, two-way contract for difference. The competitive bidding process, which differentiates between renewable hydrogen and biomethane producers, selects beneficiaries based on the offered strike price per MWh. The Commission highlighted the scheme's conformity with established conditions, ensuring competitiveness, and preventing undue distortions of competition. The initiative is deemed necessary, appropriate, and proportionate to advance the green transition, aligning with the REPower EU Plan and the Green Deal Industrial Plan.

That's all for this edition of the #biogasclass and hope you enjoyed the industry updates and please connect and follow below!

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MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A GREAT 2024 IN ADVANCE!🎄❄️🎅🏾