Project objective

The aim of the ProBioLNG research project is to develop an innovative and highly efficient process chain for the cost-effective production of biomethane-based fuels that can be used in the heavy goods, marine, construction and agricultural machinery sectors through application-oriented basic research.

Project description Overall project

In the project, the utilisation of bio-LNG in the heavy-duty and agricultural machinery sector will initially be investigated in technical concept studies. Together with the project partners Claas and Liquind, Mobima will evaluate the market potential of decentralised LNG production at local, national and European level. The aim of the analysis is initially to determine the potential of LNG for agricultural machinery and the impact on the German energy system. Furthermore, the economic and systemic effects of the decentralised production of LNG for heavy goods transport will be examined. The market analysis will then be detailed by evaluating possible locations for refuelling stations. Mobima is also working with Claas and Air Liquide to analyse the CO2 emissions caused by bio-LNG. Mobima is also working with Claas and Air Liquide to analyse the CO2 emissions caused by Bio-LNG. Mobima is focussing on the balancing of agricultural applications. This enables an overall assessment to be carried out and the CO2 footprint of the entire ProBioLNG process chain to be determined. The aim of this ecological evaluation is to determine the reduction in overall emissions from agricultural vehicles and to evaluate the extent to which the reduction in the CO2 footprint can be increased if renewably produced fuels are already used during harvesting and RE fuel production (renewable energy, RE). Mobima supports the Life Cycle Analysis Assessment (LCA) by analysing the use of LNG.

Project description Mobima

As part of WP 6.1a, various drive concepts for LNG-powered agricultural machinery are being analysed by Mobima. The different drive concepts result from the very different utilisation of the various vehicles depending on the agricultural operation. WP 6.2 focuses on the so-called boil-off effect, where methane has to be extracted due to the heating of the tank. Since standards, e.g. regarding fuel quality, pressure and temperature, are of great importance for the timely implementation of LNG as an alternative liquid fuel and different refuelling systems are offered on the market depending on the application (ship, truck) and manufacturer, WP 6.4 will collect and evaluate the various systems from different manufacturers in order to support the early introduction of an LNG standard. The analysis of the biomethane requirements of agricultural operations (WP 7.2) forms the basis for a profitability analysis, as the necessary LNG production volumes can be derived from this. As part of this WP, Mobima will analyse and determine the biomethane demand of a selected, representative farm. Using the analysed driving profiles and consumption data, the consumption data of different farm sizes will then be determined. The life cycle assessment of the LNG application in the agricultural environment is carried out by Mobima in WP 8.3 and is based on a detailed analysis of LNG utilisation scenarios for different agricultural machines with their specific load and application characteristics. In order to ensure the transferability of the results, the partners involved, Air Liquide and Mobima, will carry out a basic coordination within the framework of an LCA (Life Cycle Analysis) kick-off workshop, in which the procedure will be coordinated bilaterally and an initial exchange of experience can take place.