Optimization of Biomass to Bio-Syntetic Natural Gas Production: Modeling and Assessment of the AIRE Project Plant Concept

Emanuele Di Bisceglie, Alessandro Antonio Papa (), Armando Vitale, Umberto Pasqual Laverdura, Andrea Di Carlo and Enrico Bocci
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Emanuele Di Bisceglie: Industrial Engineering Department, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Alessandro Antonio Papa: Industrial Engineering Department, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Armando Vitale: Industrial Engineering Department, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Umberto Pasqual Laverdura: ENEA C. R. Casaccia, 00123 Rome, Italy
Andrea Di Carlo: Industrial Engineering Department, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Enrico Bocci: Department of Science Engineering, Guglielmo Marconi University, 00193 Rome, Italy

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-23

Abstract: This study focuses on the modeling, simulation, and optimization of an integrated biomass gasification and methanation process to produce bio-synthetic natural gas (Bio-SNG) as part of the AIRE project. The process was simulated using Aspen Plus ® software (V14), incorporating experimental results from pilot-scale gasification setups. Key steps involved syngas production in a dual fluidized bed gasifier and its subsequent conversion to Bio-SNG in a methanation section. Heat integration strategies were implemented to enhance system results demonstrate that optimized heat recovery, achieved by utilizing exothermic methanation reactions to preheat gasification inputs, eliminates the need for auxiliary fuel in the gasification process. The optimized system achieved a thermal recovery rate of 80%, a cold gas efficiency of 79%, a Bio-SNG production rate of 0.4 Nm 3 /kg Biom , and a methane content of 85 vol.%. These optimizations reduced CO 2 emissions by 10% while increasing overall energy efficiency. This work highlights the potential of integrating biomass gasification and methanation processes with heat recovery for sustainable methane production. The findings provide a basis for scaling up the process and further exploring syngas utilization pathways to produce renewable energy carriers.

Keywords: gasification; methanation; Bio-SNG; process integration; modeling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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