The benefits of green CO2 produced from anaerobic digestion                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Here at PWCL, we are extremely accepting and, indeed, encouraging of investment in, and adoption of, new technologies and ways of working within the renewable energy sector; believing that, oftentimes, innovation leads to greater efficiency and proficiency in any given project.

As such, and alongside much of the renewable energy sector at present, we see great potential in green CO2 from anaerobic digestion.

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Energy is understandably an incredibly popular topic of conversation right now - renewable energy and alternative energy sources [to fossil fuels] particularly - as energy prices climb high and the UK’s net zero pledge comes under review.

Within this, it’s no surprise that ‘green CO2’ is taking the renewable energy sector by storm; recently considered to be financially viable.

What is green CO2?

Green CO2 is produced from the process of anaerobic digestion, where organic waste is naturally broken down by bacteria in an enclosed space and without oxygen.

As this breakdown of bacteria takes place, biogas is produced which is a green, renewable energy source, typically consisting of 60% biomethane and 40% CO2.

This CO2 - carbon dioxide produced from biogas as part of the process of AD - is green CO2 and considered to be both more sustainable and more reliable than the CO2 produced from traditional fuels (i.e. fossil fuels).

The benefits of green CO2

The benefits of green CO2 are vast and span a multitude of environmental and industrial advantages, including:

More sustainable and reliable: one of the most prominent benefits of green CO2 produced from anaerobic digestion is it’s sustainability and supply reliability; gas derived from fossil fuels is, of course, unsustainable and, as we all know, our reliance on fossil fuels has been in question for decades  - but especially in today’s market - whereas CO2 produced from organic matter such as animal waste or crops or food wastes - is much more sustainable, where the feedstock is maintainable.

Secondary to this is supply reliability - anaerobic digestion plants can produce CO2 all year round with production unlikely to be disrupted by unexpected shutdowns.

Indeed the recent spike in wholesale energy costs has caused the large fossil fuel fertiliser plants to stop/reduce production and so the by-product of CO2 is not being produced.

Reduced impact on the climate: turning separated CO2 emissions from an AD into a liquified commodity minimises its impact on the environment and takes the plant from a neutral carbon position to a negative carbon state.

Displaces fossil fuels: Any process that moves toward the displacement of fossil fuels and gives the market a green choice is of huge value. We are, everyday, seeing companies valuing the ‘green’ credentials of their materials and supply chains as a greater and greater priority, particularly as consumers demand these changes.

A variety of uses: Green CO2 can be used in a variety of ways and in a number of different industries. It is completely interchangeable with fossil CO2 and, as such, it is only a question of quality and reliable supply that prevents its use in all areas.

It’s also important to reiterate the point that - in a time when energy production, use and cost is heavily discussed and questioned; where the cost of fossil fuels are continuing to increase - the cost of CO2 produced from anaerobic digestion is less than that produced from fossil fuels and viable financial business cases can be made.