Biogenic CO₂ from Anaerobic Digestion – Storage, Use and Carbon Credits

Are you curious about how waste can be converted into a viable resource and help combat climate change? It's all thanks to Biogenic CO₂ from Anaerobic Digestion – a process that produces valuable gases such as methane and carbon dioxide.

This blog will shed light on how this biogenic CO₂ can be stored, used, and even have significant implications in earning carbon credits. Dive in to discover why anaerobic digestion could play a crucial role in our sustainable future.

Biogenic CO₂ from Anaerobic Digestion Key Takeaways

• Biogenic CO2 from anaerobic digestion can be stored, used, and even earn carbon credits.
• Different storage methods for biogenic CO₂ include tanks or cylinders, underground injection, and carbon mineralization.
• Biogenic CO₂ has various utilization avenues in manufacturing industries and the food production chain.
• Carbon credits incentivize reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including biogenic CO₂ from anaerobic digestion.
• Biogenic CO₂ has a lower climate impact compared to fossil CO2 emissions.
• There are market opportunities for revenue generation through the utilization of biogenic CO2.
• Upgrading biogas to biomethane by separating out CO₂ offers renewable energy production and storage of biogenic CO₂.
• Biomethane has similar properties as natural gas but with a lower carbon footprint.

Understanding Biogenic CO₂ from Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic digestion is a process that involves the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen, resulting in the production of biogas and biogenic CO₂.

Definition and process of anaerobic digestion

Anaerobic digestion is a special process. It happens when organic stuff break down. This does not need air or oxygen. Tiny bugs in a closed tank do this job. They make biogas and other things like biofertilizer and biogenic CO₂ from the food they eat.

Biogas has two main constituent parts – methane (60%) and carbon dioxide (40%).

Generation of biogenic CO₂ during anaerobic digestion

Biogenic CO₂ comes from the process of anaerobic digestion (AD). This happens when plant and animal waste break down in a place with no air. Heat helps speed up this process. The main things that come out are methane, which is a gas we can burn for heat or power, and biogenic CO₂.

After that, there is an important step. We need to separate the methane from the CO2.

This makes sure we catch all of the biogenic CO₂ so none of it gets lost into the sky. Biogenic CO₂ is not harmful like fossil fuel-based CO₂ because it's part of nature's carbon cycle.

Storage and Use of Biogenic CO2

Different storage methods exist for biogenic CO₂, including geological storage, biological storage in forests or soil, and utilization as a feedstock in various industries.

Different storage methods for biogenic CO₂

People store biogenic CO₂ in various ways. One common method is to put it in large tanks or cylinders. This happens after the gas gets collected from the anaerobic digestion process.

Another way is underground injection, known as geological storage. Here, we pump the CO2 into spaces below earth's surface that hold oil, natural gas and saline solutions. Some also use carbon mineralization for storing this CO₂ form.

In this case, they mix it with certain rocks causing a reaction which turns the gas into a solid state like stone. Each method has its own merits and suits different needs based on factors like cost, safety and available space.

Utilization avenues for biogenic CO₂

Biogenic CO₂ from anaerobic digestion has various avenues for utilization. One important area is in manufacturing, where CO₂ plays a strategic role. Biogenic CO₂ can be used in the food and beverage production chain, helping to create carbon-neutral products.

Additionally, biogenic CO₂ can be stored and distributed for various applications. The demand for biogenic CO₂ is growing as more industries seek sustainable alternatives to fossil-based CO₂ emissions.

Its utilization presents an opportunity not only for reducing environmental harm but also for revenue generation through its capture and use in different sectors of the economy.

Carbon Credits and Biogenic CO2

Carbon credits play a crucial role in incentivizing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, including biogenic CO₂ generated from anaerobic digestion.

Overview of carbon credits and their importance in offsetting

Carbon credits are an important tool in the fight against climate change. They represent a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by investing in projects that help remove or prevent the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

These credits can be bought and sold, allowing companies to offset their own emissions by supporting initiatives that reduce emissions elsewhere.

Carbon credits play a crucial role in encouraging sustainable practices and incentivizing businesses to take responsibility for their carbon footprint.

By purchasing carbon credits, companies support projects like renewable energy generation, reforestation, and methane capture from landfill sites, which have a positive impact on the environment.

Calculation and verification of biogenic CO₂ emissions

Biogenic CO₂ emissions from anaerobic digestion can be calculated and verified using specific protocols. These calculations take into account the carbon content of the feedstock used in the process, as well as any additional CO₂ that may be produced during storage or utilization.

The verification process involves independent third parties reviewing and confirming the accuracy of these calculations. This ensures transparency and credibility in reporting biogenic CO₂ emissions.

By accurately calculating and verifying these emissions, it becomes easier for organizations to track their environmental impact and make informed decisions about reducing their carbon footprint.

Climate Impact of Biogenic CO₂

Biogenic CO₂ from anaerobic digestion has a lower climate impact compared to fossil CO₂ emissions, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.

Assessment of the climate impact of biogenic CO₂

The climate impact of biogenic CO₂ is an important aspect to consider. Biogenic CO₂ emissions are different from fossil CO₂ emissions because they come from the combustion, decomposition, or processing of biological materials.

It is crucial to assess the climate impact of biogenic CO₂ to understand its contribution to global warming. Comparing the effects of fossil and biogenic CO₂ emissions can help us determine the potential benefits of using or storing biogenic CO₂.

This assessment will provide valuable insights for environmental researchers, waste management professionals, government officials, sustainability advocates, energy companies, landfill operators, environmental engineers, and policymakers in making informed decisions about carbon reduction strategies.

Comparison of fossil CO₂ and biogenic CO₂ emissions

Fossil CO₂ and biogenic CO₂ emissions are different in terms of their sources and impact on the environment. Fossil CO₂is produced from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, while biogenic CO₂ comes from the decomposition or processing of biological materials.

Fossil CO₂ is a major contributor to climate change because it adds new carbon to the atmosphere that has been stored underground for millions of years. On the other hand, biogenic CO₂ is part of the natural carbon cycle as plants absorb atmospheric CO₂ through photosynthesis and release it back when they decompose.

Although both types of emissions contribute to atmospheric CO₂ levels, reducing fossil fuel consumption is crucial for mitigating climate change.

Market Opportunities for Biogenic CO₂

There are various potential markets for the utilization of biogenic CO₂, providing opportunities for revenue generation and promoting sustainable practices.

Potential markets for biogenic CO₂ utilization

Biogenic CO₂ from anaerobic digestion can be used in various markets, creating valuable opportunities. One potential market is the food and beverage production industry, where biogenic CO₂ can be used to carbonate drinks or provide a controlled atmosphere for packaging.

Another potential market is the manufacturing sector, where biogenic CO₂ can be used in processes such as dry ice production or metal fabrication. Additionally, biogenic CO₂ has applications in greenhouse horticulture, as it can enhance plant growth and yields.

These markets offer avenues for revenue generation while promoting sustainability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Opportunities for revenue generation through biogenic CO₂

Biogenic CO₂ from anaerobic digestion presents significant opportunities for revenue generation. This carbon dioxide can be captured during the process and utilized or stored for various purposes.

Industries, especially in manufacturing and food production, have a strategic need for CO₂ and are willing to pay for a secure supply. By providing biogenic CO₂, anaerobic digestion facilities can tap into these markets and generate income.

Additionally, there is potential for carbon credits, as biogenic CO₂ emissions are considered more environmentally friendly than fossil CO₂ emissions. This opens up avenues for financial incentives through carbon credit trading schemes.

Overall, leveraging the value of biogenic CO₂ can contribute to both sustainability goals and economic prosperity.

Key facts:

– Biogenic CO₂ from anaerobic digestion can be used in manufacturing industries.

Biomethane and Biogenic CO₂

Upgrading biogas to biomethane and separating CO₂ offers a sustainable solution for the production of renewable energy and the storage of biogenic CO₂.

Upgrading biogas to biomethane and separating CO₂

Biogas, which is produced through the anaerobic digestion process, contains both methane and carbon dioxide (CO₂). To make biogas more useful and environmentally friendly, it can be upgraded to biomethane by removing CO₂.

This process involves separating the different gases to increase the methane content and reduce the CO₂ emissions. Upgrading biogas to biomethane has several benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing a renewable energy source.

Waste management professionals, environmental engineers, and policymakers are particularly interested in this process as it contributes to sustainable waste management practices and helps in achieving climate goals.

Properties and benefits of biomethane compared to natural gas

Biomethane, produced through the anaerobic digestion process, has several properties and benefits compared to natural gas. One key property is that biomethane has a much lower carbon footprint than natural gas.

This means that when biomethane is burned for fuel, it releases significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Biomethane also has similar energy content as natural gas, making it a viable alternative for various applications such as heating and transportation.

Additionally, biomethane can be easily injected into existing natural gas pipelines without significant modifications, allowing for seamless integration into existing infrastructure.

Carbon Removal and Storage Technologies

The anaerobic digestion process plays a crucial role in biomass carbon removal and storage, utilizing plants or algae to efficiently remove and store CO₂, but it is not alone in this. The following is a list of some of the methods used.

Carbon removal and storage technologies will be essential tools in the fight against climate change. They are designed to capture and store or utilize carbon dioxide emissions, either from the atmosphere or directly from emission sources.

Here are some of the key carbon removal and storage technologies:

1. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

– Pre-combustion capture: Carbon has until now rarely if ever been removed from fossil fuels before they are burned but this technology is being developed in the future by UK natural gas energy supplier Cadent.

They are about to commission the first hydrogen refineries which will convert natural gas to hydrogen. The hydrogen will be sent to homes and businesses through the gas grid instead of natural gas, while the captured carbon will be sent to carbon capture (sequestration) under the sea in the very natural gas fields previously emptied of their natural gas!

– Post-combustion capture: CO₂ is removed after the fossil fuels are burned, typically at power plants. Demonstration projects have been more prevalent for post-combustion than for other capture systems since it may be retrofitted to existing power facilities.

The low partial pressure of CO₂ in the flue gas is a significant challenge to the implementation of post-combustion capture technologies in coal-fired power plants. Since the flue gas is at ambient pressure and the CO₂ content is very low (13-15%], there is no motive force to separate the gas. The result is a high energy demand technology.

Source: Carbon Capture and Storage Program (CCSP) Final report 1.1.2011–31.10.2016 – Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: www.researchgate.net [accessed 17 Aug, 2023]

– Oxyfuel combustion: Oxygen, instead of air, is used for combustion, producing a stream of COv that can be more easily captured. Capturing all of the CO₂ and not releasing any pollutants into the air (no NOx) are two major benefits of this method. The requirement for a turbine in high-efficiency gas power plants is one major drawback, as is the high energy cost of air separation.

– Industrial separation: In industries like natural gas processing or certain chemical processes where CO₂ is separated for commercial uses.

2. Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU)

– Enhanced oil recovery (EOR): CO₂ is pumped into depleted oil fields to push out more oil.
– Mineralization: CO₂ is turned into solid minerals, like calcium carbonate.
– Bio-based materials: COv₂ is used in the production of materials like plastics or concrete.

3. Direct Air Capture (DAC)

Uses chemicals to remove CO2 directly from the atmosphere.

4. Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS)

Plants or algae are grown to absorb CO₂, then used as fuel with CCS technology, capturing the CO₂ released during combustion.

5. Ocean Fertilization

Adding nutrients to the ocean to stimulate the growth of phytoplankton, which absorbs CO₂.

6. Enhanced Weathering

Accelerates the natural process where minerals react with CO₂ and turn it into stone.

7. Afforestation and Reforestation

Planting trees to absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere.

8. Soil Carbon Sequestration

Techniques, like agroforestry or cover cropping, increase the carbon content in soils.

9. Blue Carbon

Conservation and restoration of coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves, seagrass meadows, and salt marshes, which sequester large amounts of carbon.

10. Carbon Mineralization

Reacting CO₂ with rocks, such as basalt or peridotite, turning it into a stable mineral form.

11. Underground Storage

After capturing CO₂, it can be pumped and stored deep underground in geological formations.

12. Biochar

Organic material is pyrolyzed to produce a charcoal-like substance, which is then buried, sequestering the carbon.

While these technologies offer promising solutions to address carbon emissions, they are part of a broader portfolio of measures, including reducing emissions at source and transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Now, having covered the breadth of this topic, let us return to biogenic carbon and the anaerobic digestion process again:

Overview of biomass carbon removal and storage using the anaerobic digestion process.

Notwithstanding the many technologies listed above, most are purely research topics at this time, other than biogenic carbon removal using the AD process.  The anaerobic digestion process plays an important role in biomass carbon removal and storage. It involves the decomposition of organic matter to produce biogas, which consists of methane and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Through this process, CO₂ can be captured and stored instead of being released into the atmosphere. This is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.

Biomass with CO₂ capture and storage (Bio-CCS) is a method that captures and stores carbon from biomass, further contributing to carbon removal.

The use of anaerobic digestion technology stands out because it not only generates renewable energy but also provides a sustainable solution for managing organic waste while helping to combat climate change.

The role of plants or algae in removing and storing CO₂

Plants and algae play a crucial role in removing and storing CO₂ from the atmosphere through a process called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, these organisms absorb CO₂ from the air and convert it into energy, while releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

This helps to reduce the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere, acting as a natural carbon sink. Additionally, plants also store carbon in their biomass, including their roots and leaves, which can further contribute to carbon sequestration.

By harnessing the power of plants and algae, we can effectively mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a more sustainable environment.

Accounting Framework for Biogenic CO₂ Emissions

Measurement and reporting protocols are essential for accurately accounting for biogenic CO₂ emissions, ensuring transparency and credibility in carbon footprint assessments.

Definition and measurement of biogenic CO₂ emissions

Biogenic CO₂ emissions are the carbon dioxide emissions that come from natural sources like plants, animals, and organic materials. These emissions occur during processes like combustion, decomposition, or processing of biologically based materials.

It's important to accurately measure these emissions to understand their impact on the environment. This involves quantifying the amount of biogenic CO₂ emitted and developing protocols for reporting and accounting for these emissions.

By understanding and measuring biogenic CO₂ emissions, we can make informed decisions about how to manage and mitigate their effects on climate change.

Reporting and accounting protocols for biogenic CO₂ emissions

Biogenic CO₂ emissions from anaerobic digestion need to be accurately measured and reported.

This is vital for environmental researchers, waste management professionals, government officials, sustainability advocates, energy companies, landfill operators, environmental engineers, and policymakers.

The reporting and accounting protocols ensure that the biogenic CO₂ emissions are properly recorded and accounted for. These protocols help in monitoring the amount of biogenic CO₂ generated during the anaerobic digestion process.

By following these protocols, stakeholders can have a clear understanding of the impact of their biogenic CO₂ on climate change and devise appropriate strategies to mitigate its effects.

Biogenic CO₂ from Anaerobic Digestion – A Conclusion

In conclusion, biogenic CO₂ from anaerobic digestion has great potential for storage and use. It is an important gas in manufacturing and can help reduce our reliance on environmentally harmful fossil CO₂.

By capturing and utilizing biogenic CO₂, we can contribute to carbon neutrality and create market opportunities for revenue generation. With further development and investment, this technology could play a significant role in addressing climate change and achieving sustainability goals.