ProBioLNG

Innovative process chain for the resource-efficient production of Bio-LNG (ProBioLNG)

Topic

The reduction of CO2-emissions in the industrial as well as private sector is indispensable for reaching the climate goals set by the german government. Particularly in the aviation sector, shipping and heavy transport, where proceeding electrification is difficult to intigrate, biological fuels are a competitive alternative to fossil fuels. In this case using Bio-CNG (compressed biomethane) or Bio-LNG (liquified biomethane) from renewable ressources and residues for powering the heavy transport and shipping sector as well as construction and agricultural machines is a promising concept.

Goals

The goal of the research project ProBioLNG is the development of an innovative and highly efficient process chain for the cost-efficient production of biomethane-based fuel whereby using application-oriented fundamental research. This biomethane-based fuels can thereafter be used as liquified Bio-LNG in the heavy transport, shipping, construction and agricultural sector. For this purpose individuals from science and economy incorporate their engagement to link proven and completely new technologies creating an innovative preocess chain.

Project tasks of the State Institute

The whole research projection is managed by the State Institure of agricultural engineering and bioenergy. In ProBioLNG the institute is investigating the pressurized two-stage fermentation of biomass with a subsequent biological hydrogen methanation (Power-to-Gas) for biomethane and following fuel generation. Studies regarding the pressurized fermentation are conducted in the laboratory as well as pilot plant scale. Therefore a demonstration plant is developed and errected at ,,Unterer Lindenhof” in cooperation with project partners. Following the plant construction, experiments in the thoroughly linked operation are executed to illustrate the whole potential of the ProBioLNG process chain. In the third year of the project, all components of the pilot plant were delivered to the plant site and the construction of the infrastructure has started. Furthermore, with the helpf of the project’s own PR campaign, reports on biogas in general as well as project-specific content is published.

Project film

We held a "Biomethane Day" at the Lindenhöfe research site on 30 June 2023 with presentations on current research projects, the legal classification of the topic and experiences from the use of biomethane in public transport buses. An exhibition of biomethane vehicles used in heavy-duty transport (buses, tractors) and guided tours of our research facilities completed the day. A video summary of the event was produced, which we would like to publish on the Youtube channel of the University of Hohenheim. Biomethane is currently the most economical, ecologically sensible and the only solution that can be implemented in the short term to realise the traffic turnaround in heavy goods transport. However, this technical variant is often ignored in the political debate.

The project film can be viewed under the following link.