National Grid project looks to convert waste into natural gas substitute

In collaboration with Advanced Plasma Power (AAP) and Progressive Energy, the company aims to demonstrate the use of waste to produce bio-substitute natural gas (Bio-SNG) using a process called Gasplasma. The three partners will work together to design, install and test the operation of a demonstration plant at AAP's Gasplasma facility in Swindon, UK. The plant will take the waste derived and energy rich synthesis gas from the existing Gasplasma process, and convert it to meet the specification for injecting it into the gas network. National Grid believes Bio-SNG could play a crucial role in the decarbonisation of heating and help reach the UK's binding carbon reduction targets. As part of its work on future energy scenarios, the organisation has forecast that renewable gas could be a vital part of the energy mix in the coming decades. "This project is a great opportunity to look at the potential of Bio-SNG from both a technical and commercial perspective," said Marcus Stewart, Future Distribution Networks manager at National Grid. "The project underlines our commitment to seeking economic and innovative ways to decarbonise energy, while making the best use of the existing network." It is estimated that renewable gas, of which Bio-SNG may be a major source, could account for as much as one fifth of the UK's heat requirement by 2050. Rolf Stein, chief executive of APP, said, "The development and implementation of a process to derive Bio-SNG from waste using our unique Gasplasma process has significant global implications for sustainable waste management and low carbon energy solutions. We look forward to demonstrating the process at our plant in Swindon."