Metrology for biogas European Association of National Metrology Institutes

Development of a comprehensive metrological toolkit to ensure compliance to European biogas specifications

Example support from key stakeholdersCEN TC/408: “[We are] very interested in the project’s results on chemical and physical specifications of biogas and biomethane”

European Biogas Association: “This work is of primary importance to improve the robustness of measurements of biogas quality“

National Grid (UK): “The traceable measurements developed will help facilitate the injection of biogas and biomethane into existing gas distribution networks”

ISO TC/193: “The activities outlined will help to improve the standards portfolio of ISO/TC 193”

Air Liquide: “This project will improve the reliability of sampling methods and measurements done on biogas and biomethane”

ConsortiumThe consortium together the expertise of leading European NMIs in the characterisation of non-conventional energy gases, supported by two REGs and an unfunded partner

ObjectivesTo develop accurate and traceable methods and standards for:

WP1: Key organic impurities: total silicon (and siloxanes), aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, sulphur-containing components

WP2: Key inorganic impurities: ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen chloride. Measurement of biogenic methane.

WP3: Determining the water dew point and particulate content of biogas and biomethane

WP4: Physical properties (e.g. calorific value, density)

WP5: Sampling biogas with respect to key properties

Advancing the state-of-the-art• Novel traceable, low uncertainty (3 -5 %) methods for key impurities, tailored to meet the needs of biogas producers and end-users

• Adaptation of existing methods for moisture and physical properties so they can be applied to measurements of biogas and biomethane

• Validated and traceable methods for determining the biogenic methane content when blended with natural gas in transmission networks

• A step change in best-practice methods for biogas sampling

Need and drivers• European renewable energy targets: 20% of EC energy consumption is to come from renewable sources by 2020

• Increased used of biogas and biomethane will help Europe reach these targets

• Under EC Mandate M/475, CEN TC/408 is producing specifications for biogas and biomethane for injection into natural grids and for use as a transport fuel

• Demonstrating conformance to these specifications is essential for trading and use of biogas and biomethane

• Lack of robust, traceable, accurate and affordable methods available to measure key properties of biogas and biomethane

Impact of project• Reference methods supporting CEN/TC 408 specifications for biogas and biomethane

• Measurement standards to support development of traceable transfer standards and reference materials

• Improved access of biogas and biomethane to natural gas grids and refuelling stations

• Producers of biogas have access to a measurement infrastructure for biogas specifications

Dissemination of impact• Targeted workshops for industrial

end-users

• Online e-training resources

• Secondments and consultancies

• Good practice guides (in English and other languages)

• Project website and social media

• Presentations at international conference

• Peer-reviewed journal publications

• Input into standardisation activities

U. Vallalolid