Eneraque are successfully injecting renewable gas into the Jemena gas network. This milestone event is a first on Australian soil, and a huge step forward for Australia’s booming renewable gas industry.

The Malabar Biomethane Injection Project, which began in 2020 and which achieved successful biomethane to grid injection this month, aimed to demonstrate the technical viability and pathway to commerciality of producing and injecting biomethane into the natural gas network.

Eneraque provided the Biogas Upgrading Equipment for the project, a robust design developed from many years of successful application across Europe, Asia and the USA.

This Australian first biomethane upgrader takes biogas sourced from existing anaerobic digestion infrastructure at Sydney’s Wastewater Resource Recovery Plant and upgrades this to pipeline quality biomethane. The Upgrader is sized for 1100Nm3/hr of biogas to the inlet prior to separating the CO2 and CH4 with a patented 3-stage membrane technology from our partners, Evonik.

The biomethane is then injected into the gas grid at high pressure to pipeline quality specification. The technology features an advanced patented control system, continuous process monitoring, remote operation and 24/7 support.

Australia’s first biomethane-to-gas network project will see thousands of Sydney customers using renewable gas, blended with natural gas, for cooking, heating and hot water.

Eneraque’s Biogas Upgrading System and Double Membrane Gas Storage EnerSphere, on site at Malabar. 

What is Biogas and Biomethane or RNG?

Biogas is a renewable energy source produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic materials such as agricultural waste, food scraps, and sewage sludge. It is composed mainly of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), with trace amounts of other gases. During the anaerobic digestion process, bacteria break down the organic matter, releasing methane-rich biogas. Biogas can be used as a fuel for heating, electricity generation, or as a vehicle fuel. It is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels because it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps to mitigate climate change.

Biomethane is a more refined form of biogas (sometimes referred to as Renewable Natural Gas or RNG) that has undergone additional purification processes to remove impurities such as CO2, moisture, and trace contaminants. The resulting biomethane has a methane content of 95% or higher, making it similar in quality to natural gas. Biomethane can be injected into the natural gas grid, replacing conventional natural gas and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. It can also be used as a transportation fuel, either in compressed or liquefied form, powering vehicles like cars, buses, and trucks. Biomethane offers a renewable and sustainable energy solution, contributing to the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Eneraque – State of the Art Biogas Technologies & Biogas Upgrading

Eneraque has the in-house project management, engineering (including full process & chemical design & modelling), modular fabrication, factory testing, installation, commissioning and ongoing long term operations and maintenance support for biomethane & Renewable Natural Gas projects throughout the APAC region.

We have the EPCM capabilities in the biogas space delivering:

– Complete biogas plants including Anaerobic digestion
– Biomethane Upgraders – Membranes & PSA
– Biogas storage (double membrane technology)
– Biogas open and enclosed flaring
– Biogas to energy (power generation)
– Biogas scrubbing and polishing
– CO2 Liquefaction (food grade & industrial grade quality CO2)
– Carbon capture
– Biomethane pipeline design and installation

With more than 40 years’ experience in delivering biogas projects, Eneraque can provide you with a cost-benefit analysis for the EPCM, carbon credit calculations which feeds an overall guaranteed ROI report.

Eneraque also offers consultancy and auditing for brownfield & greenfield projects throughout AU & NZ. From waste gas, feedstock (including biogas hubs) or blended fuels, Eneraque has the experience and expertise to power your energy future.

For any further information, please feel free to reach out to [email protected] or 1800 636 744

This project is jointly funded by Jemena and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).