Disruption Potential Assessment of the Power-to-Methane Technology

Abstract

Power-to-methane (P2M) technology is expected to have a great impact on the future of the global energy sector. Despite the growing amount of related research, its potential disruptive impact has not been assessed yet. This could significantly influence investment decisions regarding the implementation of the P2M technology. Based on a two-year-long empirical research, the paper focuses on exploring the P2M technology deployment potential in different commercial environments. Results are interpreted within the theoretical framework of disruptiveness. It is concluded that P2M has unique attributes because of renewable gas production, grid balancing, and combined long-term energy storage with decarbonization, which represent substantial innovation. Nevertheless, empirical data suggest that the largest P2M plants can be deployed at industrial facilities where CO2 can be sourced from flue gas. Therefore, a significant decrease of carbon capture technology related costs could enable the disruption potential of the P2M technology in the future, along with further growth of renewable energy production, decarbonization incentives, and significant support of the regulatory environment.

Seasonal and Multi-Seasonal Energy Storage by Power-to-Methane Technology

“…Power-to-Methane technology appears to be the best technical solution for seasonal, annual and multi-annual storage of large amounts of energy. It is important to note that this is an economically and socially acceptable method, which also fits well with the existing storage and electricity generation infrastructure [27][28][29].…”

Past, Present and Near Future: An Overview of Closed, Running and Planned Biomethanation Facilities in Europe

“…This missing step seems to be the sourcing of CO 2 in large volumes to develop multi-MW biomethanation plants. Accordingly, it is worth analyzing that if biogas plants cannot provide enough carbon dioxide for large-scale P2M plants [15], which could convert the vast volume of renewable electricity produced by wind or solar parks, what solutions can help to increase the capacity of biomethanation facilities to multi-MW el level, which are needed in the future [59]. The importance of the results shown by Figure 4 is that they interconnect the past and the future of biomethanation technology development from a purely technical aspect (without considering the time horizon, which is presented in the next section).…”

“…This missing step seems to be the sourcing of CO2 in large volumes to develop multi-MW biomethanation plants. Accordingly, it is worth analyzing that if biogas plants cannot provide enough carbon dioxide for large-scale P2M plants [15], which could convert the vast volume of renewable electricity produced by wind or solar parks, what solutions can help to increase the capacity of biomethanation facilities to multi-MWel level, which are needed in the future [59].…”

“…Regarding the prior literature in the P2G field, the "research" and the "development" part of the R&D&I are often supported by new technoeconomic research results [12][13][14]. Moreover, the "innovation" part is already discussed from in-depth management aspects [7,15], 1.…”

“…The document also declares that "new technologies, sustainable solutions and disruptive innovation are critical to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal" (p. 18, [25]). As recent research focusing on biomethanation technology concluded that P2M can be disruptive in the future [15], the research question of this study is the following:…”