The innovative plant concept pursues the ecological approach of constructing a biomethane plant that takes in excess nutrients from agriculture - here manure and straw from cattle and poultry farming or from dairy farms - processes the produced biogas by separating and liquefying CO2 into food-grade biomethane and injects it into the existing gas grid of the regional gas network operator as natural gas quality.
CO2-neutral replacement for natural gas
In contrast to biogas, biomethane is not converted into electricity but can be fed into the grid and stored as a full-fledged alternative to natural gas. The heat required for production is generated in a CO2-neutral way, among other things, from the combustion of fermentation residues. The best part: our concept avoids CO2 emissions (GHG/greenhouse gases) of approximately 15,000 tonnes per year.
No cultivation of maize or grain
For conventional NaWaRo biogas plants (renewable raw materials), energy crops must be cultivated, which take up valuable arable land. Our plant concept, on the other hand, avoids the use of maize or grain and exclusively utilises surplus raw materials (farmyard manure) that arise in agricultural operations.
Avoidance of over-fertilisation
Excess agricultural manure, which would normally be spread on fields, is turned into "gaseous" gold at our facilities. In doing so, our plants make a sustainable contribution to preventing over-fertilisation of agricultural land and to protecting drinking water from nitrogen compounds and ammonium.
Local value creation
Short transport routes, local natural gas pipelines, involvement of residents and municipalities: our concept prioritises regionality. In line with the Circular Economy Act, the conservation of natural resources as well as the protection of people and the environment are of utmost importance when using agricultural waste.
The nitrogen or ammonia content in the substrate is separated in a "stripping plant" or a biological treatment stage and then supplied for fertiliser utilisation (ASL – Ammonium Sulphate Solution). The thermal energy required for the biogas plant is generated from the combustion of digestate (base load heating) as well as from a woodchip heating system (peak load heating). Biogas, upgraded to biomethane, can fulfil important functions within the energy system, such as providing balancing power in the electricity grid or, as intended in this case, serving as an alternative fuel (RED II / III – advanced fuel). Compared to biogas, biomethane has the advantage that it can be fed into existing gas grids, stored there, and utilised by suitable economic entities as part of the legally required industrial decarbonisation and transportation sector goals (climate targets).
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The difference between the two energy sources lies in the methane content. Biogas consists of methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO2). In contrast, during the production of biomethane, the CO2 is removed, which increases the proportion of methane. Biomethane then has the same chemical properties as conventional natural gas. Due to this identical composition, biomethane can be fed into the gas grid in any quantity and stored there. Most importantly, biomethane can replace fossil natural gas.
Location check
Planning of the site-specific system concept
Urban land-use planning and authorisation procedures
Site selection & space acquisition
Development & authorisation
Construction and operation
As pioneers of the energy transition, we, Prokon eG, are your reliable partner - from the initial planning discussion to successful operation. For over 25 years, we have been actively advocating for the expansion of renewable energies. We bring this experience to each of our projects, whether it's the development, planning, and implementation of biomethane plants or the construction of wind farms and photovoltaic systems. Additionally, we supply electricity to private households across Germany. With around 40,000 members, we are the largest energy cooperative in Germany. We stand for cooperative values: responsibility and community on an equal footing.
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