The subject of the course is “Biogas, Biomethane and Grid Injection;  Background, Overview and Opportunity.” It covers the technicalities, process and procedures for biomethane-to-grid projects as well as the benefits to be gained.

Purpose

The course will provide an understanding of opportunities and the means by which biogas manufactured from waste can be upgraded to make biomethane and to meet the various standards for entry into the existing gas supply network – this is to displace the equivalent quantity of fossil gas and hence support Net Zero initiatives.  Also, the course will explain how the value of biomethane sold into the market (and support from the Green Gas Support Scheme) generates an income stream.

Agenda

1. The Basics (estimated 45 minutes)
a. Definitions and components; Biogas, Biomethane, the (UK) Gas Grid, by products
b. The existing Biomethane to grid industry
c. Purpose and benefits
d. Biogas upgrading technologies
e. Plant required including chemistry, hardware, connections, site characteristics and example layout
f. Supply chain

2. Grid Entry – the Grid Companies (20 mins)
a. Safety Case and HSE compliancesb. their role in projects
c. their obligations and requirements
d. Local Operating Procedures

3. Grid Entry – the Rules (45 mins)
a. Legal requirements and statutory obligations
b. Regulations
i. Gas (Calculation of Thermal Energy) Regulations
ii. Gas Safety (Management) Regulations
iii. DSEAR
iv. PSSR
v. Hazardous Zoning

4. Grid Entry– The Engineering (60 mins)
a. Standards
b. Physical grid connection and pipelines
i. Materials
ii. Compression into high pressure tiers
c. Flow constraints
d. Ownerships and obligations
e. Calorific value and Propane injection plant
i. Propane storage
ii. Liquid vs vapour phase injection

5. The Grid Entry Unit (15 mins)
a. Purpose and functions
b. Example designs
c. Supply chains

6. Grid Entry – Operations (15 mins)
a. Monitoring and controls
b. Maintenance
c. Flow control and automation
d. Routine works

7. Revenues and Ofgem (30 mins)
a. Financials and commercials
b. Site audits

8. Grid Entry – The Future (30 mins)
a. CO2 Capture, what it is and what’s involved
b. Standardisation and impact on future costs
c. Plant ownership and access
d. Reverse Compression – how to avoid capacity constraints
e. Network connections – by whom etc

9. Feedback and Success Criteria (30 mins or as needed)
a. Q&A session at intervals within and after each session
b. Feedback questionnaire after each session and at conclusion