全球可再生和低碳气体报告2021-50页_3mb

Global Renewable and Low-Carbon Gas Report Summary (2021 Edition)

Core Content

This report, published by the International Gas Union (IGU), outlines the current status and potential of renewable and low-carbon gas technologies globally. It emphasizes the importance of these technologies in achieving the decarbonisation goals set by the Paris Agreement, particularly as the world moves toward net-zero emissions by 2050 or 2060.

Main Points

1. Introduction

• The Energy Transition is accelerating, driven by the Paris Agreement and subsequent COP meetings.
• Renewable and low-carbon gas technologies, such as biomethane and hydrogen, are essential for a decarbonised energy system.
• The report aims to establish a baseline and track progress in renewable and low-carbon gas production and development.

2. Methodology

• Data was collected through a survey distributed to IGU members across 21 countries, covering five continents.
• The survey requested data on projects with a capacity >1 MW, excluding small pilot projects.
• Data was cross-verified with sources like the International Energy Agency and the European Biogas Association.
• Future iterations will include more detailed cost and raw biogas data.

3. Analysis and Conclusions

Summary Results

• Biomethane plants and projects are more numerous than low-carbon hydrogen projects.
• Figure 5 shows the number of hydrogen and biomethane plants reported in the database.
• The map (Figure 6) illustrates the global coverage of the IGU Renewable Gas Database.

Key Observations

• Biogas and Biomethane:

  • Predominantly produced via anaerobic digestion and used for electricity and combined heat and power.
  • Only a small portion is upgraded to grid-quality biomethane, which can substitute for natural gas.
  • Global production of biogas and biomethane is around 1% of total natural gas production.
  • Sustainable potential is estimated at 20 times that level, or 20% of global natural gas demand.
  • However, current project momentum is insufficient to reach this potential in the near term.

• Low-Carbon Hydrogen:

  • Currently accounts for 0.5% of total hydrogen production, or 0.03% of global natural gas production.
  • There has been minimal growth in low-carbon hydrogen output over the past five years.
  • Policy support is expected to drive more hydrogen projects in future editions.

Infrastructure

• Biomethane can be seamlessly blended with natural gas in existing networks, without modifying end-use appliances.
• Hydrogen can be transported via pipelines, but requires significant investment to convert them for 100% hydrogen use.
• Equipment and appliances must be hydrogen-ready to support future infrastructure needs.

4. Cost Analysis

• Figure 4 compares the production costs of renewable gases with natural gas.
• All renewable gases are more expensive than their fossil-derived counterparts.
• Green hydrogen is the most expensive, but costs are expected to decrease as renewable electricity and electrolyzer prices fall.
• Blue hydrogen (with carbon capture and storage) is more economically viable than grey hydrogen if carbon prices rise.

Key Countries Analysis

4.1 China

• China is a major producer of biomethane, contributing 25% of global production.
• Data on hydrogen projects is limited, but there is growing interest in low-carbon hydrogen.

4.2 Malaysia

• Biogas production is significant, with data on the number and capacity of biogas plants.
• Growth in biogas plants and capacity is expected to increase in future editions.

4.3 Netherlands

• The Netherlands has a notable number of biomethane plants and projects.
• Demonstrated capability to convert natural gas pipelines for 100% hydrogen use.

4.4 Denmark

• Denmark has ambitious goals to achieve 100% biomethane in its gas grid by 2040.
• Biogas upgrading is increasing, showing a clear pathway toward renewable gas adoption.

4.5 Germany

• Germany has a strong presence in both biomethane and hydrogen projects.
• Data shows the distribution of biomethane plants by feedstock and hydrogen plants by development stage.
• Greenhouse gas emissions are a key focus, with the aim of reducing emissions through renewable gas adoption.

4.6 South Korea

• South Korea has made Net Zero commitments, and the report highlights its energy system and hydrogen projects.

4.7 United States

• The US has a growing number of hydrogen and biomethane projects, with data by state and development stage.
• Existing infrastructure in the Gulf Coast region supports hydrogen production.

4.8 Canada

• Canada has biogas and hydrogen projects, with data on their development stages and potential.

4.9 Brazil

• Brazil has a notable number of biomethane projects, with data on their status, size, and location.

Key Information

• Renewable Gases include:

  • Biogas: A mixture of methane and CO₂ from anaerobic digestion.
  • Biomethane: Upgraded biogas suitable for injection into natural gas grids.
  • Blue Hydrogen: Hydrogen from natural gas with carbon capture and storage.
  • Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced via electrolysis using renewable electricity.

• Challenges:

  • Current production levels of renewable and low-carbon gases are low.
  • Scaling up production is essential to meet decarbonisation targets.
  • Cost reductions and policy support are critical for the growth of these technologies.

• Opportunities:

  • Biomethane can be integrated into existing gas infrastructure with minimal modifications.
  • Policy support and industry collaboration are necessary to accelerate project development.
  • The report aims to become a global reference for renewable and low-carbon gas development.

Conclusion

This report serves as a baseline for the renewable and low-carbon gas sector and aims to track its growth and development over time. It highlights the need for increased production, cost reductions, and policy support to ensure the success of the global energy transition. The IGU and OIES are committed to expanding the database and improving the quality of data in future editions to provide more accurate and actionable insights.