Keeling Curve

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Project Summary / Description:

The purpose of the project is to demonstrate the novel BioCORE technology for biogas utilization. The BioCORE concept is based on the combination of high temperature fuel cells, catalytic methanation and CO2 separation. Compared to market standard solutions, the novel technology offers various advantages, including:

Revolutionary electrical efficiency of 80% ‚ Doubled electricity production from always available bioenergy 

Reversible operation ‚ Fuel cells operate as electrolyser, balancing wind and photovoltaics

Long-term energy storage ‚ Highly efficient and economic production of green hydrogen / biomethane + SNG

Negative CO2 emissions ‚ Only waste stream during power generation is pure biogenic CO2, ready for utilization or capture (CCU/CCS) 

The fundamental concept was developed by Stephan Herrmann during his doctorate at the Chair of Energy Systems at the Technical University of Munich. The concept was turned into a research proposal, which was accepted for funding by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The project started September 1st 2018. So far the BioCORE System has been successfully validated with a pre-commercial scale 10 kW prototype under real operating conditions at a biogas plant. Currently the project team is working on a scale up.

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Best Estimate of GHG Avoidance/Reduction of This Project (Tonnes CO2 Equivalent/Year):

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

Biogas from the anaerobic digestion of organic waste and biomass addresses structural deficits and supports rural communities in energy production and waste management. Furthermore, it creates jobs in socio-economically disadvantaged regions and gives a new boost to the agricultural sector. All this makes the technology suitable for accelerating the development of renewable energies, especially in agriculturally dominated countries and regions (e.g. in Africa, South America or Eastern Europe).

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