Carbon Capture Technology for Food Grade CO2 from Biogas: A Proven New Income Source?

In this article, we make the case for carbon capture technology for biogenic food grade CO₂ (from biogas via biomethane upgrading) as a proven additional income source for AD plant operators.

Most new biogas plants are constructed with biomethane upgrading from day 1 of operation, meaning the purified methane process inevitably also provides reliable carbon dioxide output that until now has been vented to the atmosphere.

However, there is growing evidence that the technology now available is such that carbon capture technology for the production of food-grade CO₂ from biogas is now a proven technology.

Therefore, is it now time for all biogas plant operators that produce biomethane to cease venting CO₂ and also implement CO₂ capture as a new income source?

Many industries, including food and drink manufacturers, face challenges in reducing their carbon emissions and are seeking means by which they can progressively reduce corporate emissions.

One important fact is that carbon capture technology can effectively lower these emissions by capturing carbon dioxide from biogas.

This blog will discuss case studies where this technology has provided food-grade CO₂, offering solutions to a common problem in sourcing renewable CO₂. Keep reading to discover how this could also become a new income source for the anaerobic digestion industry.

Biogas Upgrading and Carbon Capture Technology

There is no biogenic CO2 without first installing the equipment for biogas upgrading because the renewable carbon dioxide needed is a by-product of the upgrading process.

Biogas upgrading involves advanced processes to purify biogas, separating the CO₂ from the methane (CH₄) in biogas.

Capturing carbon dioxide from biogas, and using it to replace non-renewable sources is the next step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and producing sustainable food-grade CO₂ for adding fizz to beverages, and, to a lesser extent, as a preservative in packaging is a major market.

Overview of the biogas upgrading process

Biogas upgrading technologies play a crucial role in enhancing the energy content of raw biogas. These technologies separate CO₂ from methane to produce biomethane with high purity and include, in descending order of their popularity to date, the following processes:

1. Water Scrubbing
2. Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA)
3. Membrane Separation
4. Chemical Scrubbing
5. Cryogenic Separation

The cryogenic separation process is favoured for food-grade CO₂, and involves several steps, including compression, cooling, and cleaning the biogas before separating the gases.

This upgraded biomethane is used as a renewable fuel source, contributing to sustainable energy production.

Capturing and using the carbon dioxide (CO₂) byproduct from the upgrading process is equally vital. What has been routinely vented into the atmosphere should now be quality-controlled and used. Known as biogenic CO₂, it adds value by transforming CO₂ into food-grade quality for various industries. Adopting advanced techniques for capturing and separating CO₂ ensures its success in significantly reducing carbon emissions.

Moving on, understanding the importance of this captured CO₂ highlights how essential it is for both environmental benefits and industrial applications.

The importance of capturing and utilising carbon dioxide from biogas

Capturing and utilising carbon dioxide from biogas is crucial for reducing global carbon emissions to meet forthcoming net-zero targets. This technology is market-ready and has proven effective in enhancing the sustainability of energy production.

Moreover, it plays a significant role in minimising the climate impact of CO₂ emissions from biogas plants, leading to regenerative farming. By separating CO₂ from raw biogas, the carbon capture process contributes to creating more sustainable agriculture, and by generating food-grade sustainable CO₂ the industry will also reduce dependence on imports and raise food security.

The utilisation of biogenic CO₂ is also conducive to addressing the complexities surrounding climate impacts and demonstrates an avenue to reduce carbon emissions for other industries to follow.

Case Studies of Successful CO2 Capture from Biogas

The next section explores four examples of the successful application of carbon capture technology within the biogas industry, shedding light on its broader impact and potential for growth.

Apsley Farms

Apsley Farms specializes in an innovative approach to CO₂ production through the anaerobic digestion process. By utilizing organic waste materials, such as crops and food waste, Apsley Farms converts these inputs into biogas.

This biogas is then purified, separating methane for energy production and capturing high-purity CO₂.

The captured CO₂, being food-grade, finds applications in various industries, including beverage carbonation and greenhouse agriculture, showcasing a sustainable model of recycling and reusing waste to produce valuable resources.

This process not only generates renewable energy but also contributes to carbon capture efforts, positioning Apsley Farms at the forefront of sustainable agricultural practices and circular economy initiatives.

Crofthead Biogas

Crofthead Biogas, located in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, is an innovative facility that processes up to 100,000 tonnes of slurries, cattle manure, energy crops, and dairy residues annually. This facility generates 8MWh of electrical power equivalent gas through anaerobic digestion.

A significant aspect of its operation is the focus on sustainability, highlighted by its accreditation for the new biomethane Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) tariff and benefiting from the government’s Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program. This initiative supports renewable energy projects in the UK, contributing to carbon savings of 1,594 tonnes CO₂e.

One of Crofthead's remarkable achievements is its contribution to the carbon capture and utilization sector. The facility captures CO₂ post-biomethane upgrade and converts it into dry ice, a critical commodity across various industries, including pharmaceuticals and food.

This makes Crofthead Scotland’s only dry ice manufacturing plant, further helping it advance toward its net zero goals. The CO₂ capture rate at Crofthead is 36 tons per day, highlighting its substantial impact on carbon capture and utilization.

This operational model demonstrates a successful integration of renewable energy production with carbon capture technology, underlining the role of such facilities in achieving broader environmental and sustainability targets.

Crofthead's approach not only generates renewable energy but also addresses CO₂ emissions, offering a dual benefit of energy production and environmental protection.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued a permit for this CO₂ Recovery & Dry Ice Production Facility, allowing the operation of this innovative installation that purifies, liquefies, and sublimates CO₂ vented from biogas to biomethane conversion into dry ice.

Strandmøllen A/S in Denmark:

Strandmøllen A/S in Denmark successfully produces food-grade CO₂ from a biogas plant, showcasing the potential of this technology for sustainable energy production.

The company's innovative approach to biogas upgrading and carbon capture has significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions while also creating a new avenue for utilising a natural residual product.

This case study has demonstrated the viability of capturing CO₂ from biogas for both environmental and economic benefits, paving the way for similar advancements in renewable energy technology.

Bright Renewables: renewable gas systems and carbon capture technology

Bright Renewables has developed innovative renewable gas systems and carbon capture technology. Their approach aligns with the quest for sustainable energy production and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

With a focus on methane purification, Bright Renewables' advanced techniques ensure efficient separation of CO₂ from raw biogas, delivering high-energy content biomethane flow. This progress is underpinned by ongoing research in carbon capture and utilisation technology, offering a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions.

The sustainable CO2 market benefits from the work on all four example projects above, reducing dependence on imports while creating a more environmentally friendly energy market.

Benefits of Biogas Upgrading and Carbon Capture Technology

Biogas upgrading and carbon capture technology offers:

• sustainable energy production,
• reduced greenhouse gas emissions due to ceasing a significant CO₂ release from the anaerobic digestion process, and
• the utilisation of a natural byproduct of pure renewable methane production.

Biomass with CO₂ capture and storage (Bio-CCS) has shown the potential to capture at least 90% of CO2 emissions from large stationary sources, presenting an innovative avenue towards sustainable energy production.

Carbon capture technology helps achieve a low-carbon future, making a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions from large stationary sources.

Now read on and learn more about how advancements like our food grade CO₂ from biogas technology are shaping the future of renewable energy.

Policy Analysis and Future Outlook

Government policies drive biogas upgrading and carbon capture technology adoption. With incentives to promote renewable energy sources, the market for food grade CO₂ from biogas is growing.

Biogas will play a significant role in achieving a low-carbon future.

The current market for food-grade CO2 and the potential for growth

The demand for food-grade CO₂ is increasing, creating a promising market with substantial growth potential. The production of sustainable CO₂ from biogas offers opportunities to reduce carbon emissions while meeting the rising need for food-grade CO₂ from biogas.

Developing practical strategies for harnessing this potential will be essential in steering the industry towards a sustainable and low-carbon future. As biogas plant developers, owners, and operators, it's crucial to focus on leveraging these opportunities for sustainable development and long-term growth.

Government policies and incentives for promoting biogas upgrading and carbon capture

Government policies and incentives play a crucial role in promoting biogas upgrading and carbon capture to produce food grade CO₂ from biogas. Here are some key aspects to consider:

1. Financial Incentives: Governments offer subsidies and grants to support the implementation of carbon capture technology, making it an economically viable option for biogas plant developers.
2. Regulatory Support: Clear and stable regulations governing the production and utilisation of food-grade CO₂ from biogas provide a conducive environment for investment and innovation.
3. Carbon Pricing Mechanisms: The introduction of carbon pricing schemes creates a financial incentive for reducing emissions, encouraging biogas plant owners to invest in carbon capture technology.
4. Research Funding: Government-funded research initiatives drive innovation in biogas upgrading and carbon capture technology, leading to continuous improvements.
5. Market Access Initiatives: Policies that facilitate access to markets for sustainable CO₂ products incentivise the production of food-grade CO₂ from biogas, spurring market growth.
6. Education and Awareness Campaigns: Governments promote awareness among stakeholders about the benefits and opportunities associated with biogas upgrading and carbon capture technologies through targeted campaigns.
7. Emission Reduction Targets: Setting ambitious emission reduction targets encourages the adoption of carbon capture technology as part of national climate action plans.
8. Collaboration Platforms: Governments create platforms for collaboration between industry stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers to drive collective efforts towards advancing biogas upgrading and carbon capture for food grade CO₂ from biogas.

Concluding – Food Grade CO2 from Biogas

Biogas upgrading and carbon capture technology have shown potential for reducing carbon emissions. Successful case studies like those provided in this article for Apsley Farm Biogas, Strandmøllen A/S in Denmark and Bright Renewables demonstrate the viability of producing food-grade CO₂ from biogas plants.

The benefits of this technology include sustainable energy production, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and the utilisation of a natural residual product – paving the way towards a low-carbon future.

Government policies and incentives will help greatly in promoting biogas upgrading and carbon capture technology to ensure its widespread adoption in achieving climate change reduction goals.