Highlights from the Latest (2023) ADBA Conference on Biogenic Carbon Capture Using Biomethane Purified from Biogas
In a world that may now be racing toward net-zero carbon emissions, biogenic carbon capture has emerged as a critical solution to tackle climate change. On July 4, 2023, the Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association (ADBA) held a landmark webinar as part of Net Zero Week, unveiling its latest biogas briefing on the potential of biogenic CO₂ from the anaerobic digestion (AD) process.
This article summarizes the key insights from the session, highlighting expert commentary and charting the path forward for BECCS—Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage.
Key Points Made at the Conference:
- Biogenic CO₂ from AD is renewable, non-fossil, and part of the natural carbon cycle.
- The UK could store or use over 1 million tonnes of it annually—more than current demand.
- AD can provide 10% of the UK’s greenhouse gas removal target by 2030.
- Government schemes like Negative Emissions Contracts and UK ETS integration will reward carbon capture.
- Food-grade applications require extensive quality control, especially for waste-based CO₂.
- Companies like Pentair are already delivering end-to-end biogenic CO₂ capture systems.
By embracing biogenic carbon capture and pushing the boundaries of BECCS, the UK has a chance to lead the world in sustainable gas solutions while securing a stable, low-carbon supply of CO₂ for critical industries.
What Is Biogenic CO₂ and Why It Matters
Vasundara D, policy analyst at ADBA, kicked off the session with a powerful message: Not all carbon is created equal. While fossil carbon emissions exacerbate climate change, biogenic CO₂—carbon that originates from organic materials already in the natural carbon cycle—offers a sustainable way to decarbonize sectors like energy, transport, and manufacturing.
The anaerobic digestion process, which breaks down organic waste (food scraps, sewage, crops, industrial residues, and even garden waste) without oxygen, produces biogas and bio-fertilizer. Biogas, in turn, is composed of roughly 55% biomethane and 45% biogenic CO₂.
ADBA's Vision: Decentralized and Scalable Carbon Capture
There are 133 biomethane-producing AD plants in the UK, according to Vasundara, with the potential to capture over 1 million tonnes of biogenic CO₂ annually. With industrial demand hovering around 600,000 tonnes, there's a significant surplus of 400,000 tonnes that could be stored or used industrially.
Even more impressively, if AD's full potential is realized, the sector could capture and store 8.3 million tonnes of biogenic CO₂ by 2030, contributing 10% of the UK government's greenhouse gas removal target. This positions AD as a key player in the future of BECCS.
“AD represents the most immediate and cost-effective means of achieving Net Zero targets,” Vasundara emphasized.
The Role of Government and Carbon Markets
New policies announced in June 2023 are set to turbocharge investment in biogenic carbon capture. These include:
- A Negative Emissions Contract framework to support greenhouse gas removal projects.
- Integration of greenhouse gas removals into the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS), allowing businesses to monetize captured biogenic CO₂ through carbon credits.
This not only opens up new revenue streams but also de-risks investment in BECCS infrastructure.
“BECCS — Bioenergy with Carbon Capture …” from www.babcock.com and used with no modifications.
Current CO₂ Supply Chain: Flawed and Fragile
The UK's current CO₂ supply is surprisingly fragile. Over 50% of it is a byproduct of artificial fertilizer production, a carbon-intensive process that’s highly dependent on volatile natural gas prices. As Vasundara pointed out, manufacturing just one tonne of ammonium nitrate emits up to nine tonnes of CO₂.
Additionally, there are only two major CO₂ plants operating in the UK, meaning high transportation costs, greater emissions, and vulnerability to shutdowns, like the closure of CF Fertilizers' plant in 2022.
This is where biogenic carbon capture from AD shines: it’s decentralized, local, and resilient.
Industry Standards and Food-Grade CO₂: The Hidden Challenges
David Horan, President of the British Compressed Gases Association, took the conversation deeper, detailing the stringent safety and quality standards required for using biogenic CO₂ in food-grade applications.
He recounted three historical contamination incidents—from Perrier to Coca-Cola—to explain why risk assessment (HACCP) and adherence to standards like ISBT and EIGA 6818 are essential. Key takeaways included:
- Biogenic CO₂ is classified as a food ingredient (E-number E290), not just a gas.
- Waste feedstocks pose unique risks and may require extensive purification and validation before qualifying as food-grade.
- Continuous and laboratory-grade CO₂ testing is mandatory to meet regulatory standards.
“Certain feedstocks—like curbside waste—are virtually impossible to certify for food-grade CO₂,” David cautioned. “The sector must be diligent to protect public health and brand reputations.”
Technology Solutions: Pentair's Biogas Upgrading Success
To bridge the gap between potential and deployment, Rodrigo Rivera Tinoko, Technology Manager at Pentair, presented case studies showcasing CO₂ purification technologies.
Pentair, with over 75 years of experience in CO₂ handling, offers systems that can both upgrade biogas to renewable natural gas and capture biogenic CO₂ for use or storage. Their turnkey solutions include:
- CO₂ liquefaction systems
- Advanced contaminant monitoring
- Integration with existing biomethane purification processes
With over 80 biogas upgrading units and 1,700 CO₂ plants globally, Pentair's track record underscores the feasibility of BECCS at scale.
“Pentair – CO2Scrub | Pentair Carbon Capture” from carboncapture.pentair.com and used with no modifications.
Final Thoughts: The Path Forward for Biogenic Carbon Capture
The webinar made one thing abundantly clear: the opportunity for biogenic carbon capture via anaerobic digestion is not just theoretical—it’s already here.
With supportive policy frameworks, proven technology, and growing industrial demand for low-carbon biogenic CO₂, the stage is set for a rapid scale-up of BECCS in the UK and beyond.
However, success will hinge on collaboration across stakeholders—regulators, technologists, plant operators, and end-users—especially when it comes to ensuring safety and trust in the final product.
🔗 Learn more at: www.adbioresources.org and for specialist Carbon Capture and Storage Consultancy Services check out SLR Consulting.
FAQs
What is biogenic carbon capture?
Biogenic carbon capture refers to the process of capturing CO₂ released from organic sources, such as plants and food waste, during anaerobic digestion. Unlike fossil CO₂, biogenic CO₂ is part of the natural carbon cycle and doesn't add new carbon to the atmosphere.
How does anaerobic digestion produce biogenic CO₂?
Anaerobic digestion breaks down organic matter like food waste and sewage without oxygen. This process produces biogas, which contains biomethane and biogenic CO₂. The CO₂ can be captured and used or stored.
What is BECCS and how is it related to biogenic CO₂?
BECCS stands for Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage. It involves producing energy from biomass and capturing the resulting biogenic CO₂ to prevent it from entering the atmosphere, contributing to negative emissions.
Can biogenic CO₂ be used in the food and beverage industry?
Yes, biogenic CO₂ can be used in food and beverages, but it must meet strict quality and safety standards. This includes risk assessments, monitoring, and meeting food-grade purity requirements.
How much biogenic CO₂ can the UK produce from anaerobic digestion?
The UK can potentially capture over 1 million tonnes of biogenic CO₂ annually from anaerobic digestion, with a projected capacity of 8.3 million tonnes by 2030.
Why is biogenic carbon capture important for achieving net zero?
Biogenic carbon capture reduces atmospheric CO₂ by capturing emissions from organic sources, supporting greenhouse gas removal goals and helping reach net-zero targets through sustainable BECCS systems.
