In response to the current high demand for liquefaction plants for biomethane, the RUHE group of companies from Lüsche in southern Germany, which specializes in the operation and servicing of biogas plants, and the Italian plant manufacturer Ecospray Technologies S.r.l. have extended their cooperation agreement. In the future, it will also apply to other countries in addition to Germany. Including Benelux, UK, Austria and Switzerland.

The two companies are implementing projects for the liquefaction of biomethane and carbon dioxide from biogas under the “Green Line Liquid” brand. The liquefied biomethane or Bio-Liquefied Natural Gas (Bio-LNG for short) can be used as a fuel for trucks and shipping, whereas the liquid carbon dioxide can be used in industry, in the food sector or as a basis for electricity-based fuels (so-called e-fuels). “Our technology provides a contribution to decentralized energy and fuel supply, helping to save greenhouse gases,” says Boris Drewes, technical director of RUHE Biogas. “Advantages of the technology: It is easy to operate, robust and can be used as a standard product for diverse plant sizes. It therefore offers a real opportunity to use existing resources and contribute to the independent production of alternative fuels in Germany and Europe – a challenge that has never been more urgent than in the current political and economic situation.”

The process is easy to explain: Bio-LNG consists of biogas, which is purified and upgraded to natural gas quality to produce so-called biomethane. The biomethane is liquefied in the subsequent process at approx. -150 to -160 degrees Celsius. Compared to diesel, it produces significantly lower emissions and has great potential to replace fossil fuel, especially in heavy-duty transport.

“Green Line Liquid” consists of a yard system as a decentralized standardized module that can be operated by biogas plants with a size of 500 kWel or more. Thus, for many biogas plant operators – especially for those with high volumes of liquid manure, dung and residual matter – the technology not only represents an economical solution after the expiration of the current Renewable Energy Sources Act, it can also be used more extensively than larger-scale plants. The plant includes pretreatment (desulfurization and dehydration) of the biogas, separation or upgrading to biomethane and biogenic carbon dioxide, and liquefaction of both gases, including a storage tank and unloading system for the transport truck. In addition, a fuelling nozzle can be supplied for refueling own vehicles with Bio-LNG.

The first project for the production of clean bio-LNG is already about to start: With “Green Line Liquid Darchau”, a plant will go into operation in June of this year in the district of Lüneburg in Lower Saxony, which will produce 2.5 tons of bio-LNG and thus save around 3,500 liters of fossil fuel per day. This corresponds to the gas volume of a “standard” biogas plant with an equiv. electr. Output of 500kWel “By operating this plant ourselves, we can pass on our practical experience to our customers and thus jointly help shape the future of biogas plants within the framework of the energy transition,” says Managing Director Maximilian Ruhe. Starting in early July, he and his colleagues at RUHE Biogas will offer tours of the Green Line Liquid plant in Darchau. Interested parties are welcome to email moin@ruhe-biogas-service.de to be notified of viewing dates.

Funding for the project is provided by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the Directive for the Granting of Grants to Improve the Supply of Alternative Fuels in Lower Saxony from the State of Lower Saxony and the European Union.

About RUHE Biogas

The RUHE group of companies is a family business with a strong agricultural background. From its headquarters in Lüsche, Lower Saxony, it manages farms in Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Brandenburg and operates biogas plants, four of them with an electrical output of 2.74 megawatts.
With 20+ years of operational experience, modern working methods and a motivated team, RUHE Biogas is your partner for the maintenance, optimization and future of biogas plants with liquefaction concepts.