Agri-E has developed integrated systems for extracting hydrogen, electricity, heat and CO₂ from biogas.

– Our solutions take utilisation of biogas to the next step with increased climate benefit and energy utilisation, making biogas a contributor to the electrification of society, says Project Director and Business Development Manager Kjell Husabø. – Our solutions also have a small footprint, requiring little space, he adds.

The world’s biogas resources could meet 20% of global gas demand while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

– Biogas and biomethane can play major roles in a sustainable energy future, but for the moment we’re missing out on this opportunity to cut waste and cut emissions, says Dr Faith Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Agri-E has taken note of the problem and is now tapping the potential of this underutilised resource.

Decentralised energy production from biogas

Agri-E’s modular turnkey solutions are integrated systems combining proven market technology with in-house developed components and a control/safety system featuring data logging and analysis.

The Agri-E systems are designed for decentralised and scalable energy production and can be placed next to biogas plants or a gas grid. In this way, the systems produce and deliver emission-free energy close to consumers and contribute to hydrogen infrastructure.

– We can produce clean hydrogen on a small scale at a competitive price, says Husabø.

– Our systems are also highly versatile, he adds. They contribute to increased energy efficiency, flexibility and security of delivery in combination with other renewable sources.

Increasing the share of hydrogen in the energy mix

Agri-E exploits the full potential of biogas on several different fronts.

– Our technology uses biogas to produce clean hydrogen, which is becoming increasingly important in the zero-emission energy mix. Hydrogen will eventually replace fossil fuels in the transport sector and other industries. The momentum is undeniable, says Husabø.

Moreover, Agri-E can boost sustainability in agriculture.

– The CO₂ in biogas often goes to waste, as it is released into the air. However, Agri-E captures and stores this to replace fossil CO₂ in food production, cooling and other industrial processes. The world needs more sustainable food production. What is better than using CO₂ from biogas in greenhouses to increase crop yields? asks Husabø.

Joining the growing biogas value chain

Agri-E’s customer focus is biogas plants, a rapidly expanding industry. In 2020, the market for biogas was valued at USD 58 billion and is expected to increase by 4.4 per cent from 2021 through 2028. This is partly due to the rising demand for biogas applications to replace fossil fuels.

The first iteration of the Agri-E solution, which produces green hydrogen and CO₂, will be commercially available in early 2022 when current testing is completed. Energy solutions including production of electricity and heat will be available in 2023–2024.

– We started this company to make a difference and help the energy transition. All of us left the oil and gas industry so we could create a cleaner, greener future, says Husabø. We also want our kids to be proud of us.

This article was published by The Explorer 10. January 2022