BioMethane Tracer (PR FESR 21-27)

BioMethane Tracer - Guidelines for the Detection of Fugitive Emissions of Biomethane in Anaerobic Digestion Plants is a  PR-FESR 2021-2027 project, coordinated by CRPA LAB and mplemented with the support of European funds from the Emilia-Romagna Region.

Anaerobic digestion is recognized as an effective technology for producing renewable energy while reducing climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions. With the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and the European plan REPowerEU, a further increase in the number of anaerobic digestion plants in Emilia-Romagna is foreseeable, confirming the region's significant role at the national level. However, imperfect sealing of plant components can lead to fugitive emissions of biomethane, which are difficult to detect and can account for up to 10% of production. Therefore, there is a need to find solutions to identify leaks through suitable methodologies and define guidelines for the use of a service that optimizes the production process. Through continuous monitoring activities at anaerobic digestion plants, the project aims to develop an innovative measurement system for remote sensing of leaks. The project will transfer knowledge about innovative instrumentation and measurement methods applicable to all stakeholders in the supply chain. Early detection and containment of fugitive biomethane emissions lead to socio-environmental, economic, and safety benefits.

PROAMBIENTE will be responsible for technological scouting, integration and optimization of the optical-photonics tool for remote detection of biogas leaks, used in operational environments during various measurement campaigns.

Coordinator: CRPA LAB

Partners: PROAMBIENTE, Clust-ER Greentech

Involved Companies: AIMAG, Iren Ambiente, TOZZI GREEN

Duration: February 2024 - August 2026 (30 months)

Financing: total cost of €599,436.55 and financing of €437,900.43