Assessment of CO2 methanation integration in a power to gas system
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Mohamed El Yazid
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Achraf El Kasmi
Abstract
E-methane production represents a sustainable approach to valorising CO2 captured from energy-intensive industries. In this context, the methanation process is assessed with respect to energy efficiency by utilizing locally produced green hydrogen and captured CO2, supporting the transition to low-carbon energy systems while addressing the intermittency of renewable energy sources. This study evaluates the transition from laboratory-scale experiments to an industrial-scale e-methane production plant, leveraging surplus renewable energy, which is inherently subject to fluctuations. The studied plant operates with a methane output of 300 kg/h, achieving a CO2 conversion rate of 88 % at 550 °C and 30 bar. Various plant configurations, reactor designs, and performance scenarios were assessed based on available bibliographic data. CO2 methanation was carried out using a 0.5 wt% Ru/γ-Al2O3 catalyst in a plug flow reactor. A modified LHHW kinetic model was found to provide the best fit to the experimental data. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to quantify the influence of key parameters, including temperature, pressure, catalyst mass, and reactant feed ratio, on reactor efficiency. The results provide valuable insights into process optimization, evaluating the potential of this approach for future industrial-scale development.
Funding source: National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST)
Acknowledgment
Mohamed El Yazid kindly acknowledges the support of the National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST) under the “PhD-Associate Scholarship–PASS” program.
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Research ethics: Not applicable.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
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Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.
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Research funding: None declared.
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Data availability: Not applicable.
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