A comprehensive study of Power-to-Gas technology: Technical implementations overview, economic assessments, methanation plant as auxiliary operation of lignite-fired power station

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2021-08, Vol.311, p.127642, Article 127642
• Main Author: Straka, Pavel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CO2 source; Electrolysis; Energy storage; Methanation; Power-to-Gas
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127642

This work is focused on the evaluation of technical implementations and related techno-economic aspects, the usability of CO2 sources, and possibility of mass deployment of Power-to-Gas technology (P-t-G), with energy storage being the primary objective. For P-t-G, to ensure a low price of surplus electricity is quite necessary. A possible way is to eliminate the regulated electricity distribution fees by associating a methanation plant with the main CO2-producing plant. The methanation plant will then be an auxiliary plant (auxiliary operation) with its own technological consumption and will be exempt from fees. Further, because attractiveness and competitiveness of P-t-G depends on interconnectedness with other technologies, the use of P-t-G as an auxiliary operation of lignite-fired station with nominal capacity of 110 MWhel was evaluated. As a result, the discounted payback period 3.8 (for a discount rate 8%) or 5.1 (for a discount rate 15%) years was calculated. These and other indicators show that the lignite-fired power plant's investment in P-t-G can have a good return. [Display omitted] •For P-t-G, pressure alkaline electrolyzers with 79% efficiency are suitable.•The low price of electricity is ensured by eliminating regulated distribution fees.•P-t-G as an auxiliary operation of a coal-fired power plant is investment-feasible.•At P-t-G input, discounted payback period can be 3.8 (at 8%) or 5.1 (at 15%) years.•Studies of P-t-G implementing in conditions of individual regions are necessary.