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Biological Aspects, Advancements and Techno-Economical Evaluation of Biological Methanation for the Recycling and Valorization of CO 2

Author

Listed:
  • Ruggero Bellini

    (Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Livorno 60, 10144 Turin, Italy)

  • Ilaria Bassani

    (Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Livorno 60, 10144 Turin, Italy)

  • Arianna Vizzarro

    (Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Livorno 60, 10144 Turin, Italy)

  • Annalisa Abdel Azim

    (Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Livorno 60, 10144 Turin, Italy)

  • Nicolò Santi Vasile

    (Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy)

  • Candido Fabrizio Pirri

    (Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Livorno 60, 10144 Turin, Italy
    Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy)

  • Francesca Verga

    (Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy)

  • Barbara Menin

    (Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Livorno 60, 10144 Turin, Italy
    Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Alfonso Corti 12, 20133 Milan, Italy)

Abstract

Nowadays, sustainable and renewable energy production is a global priority. Over the past decade, several Power-to-X (PtX) technologies have been proposed to store and convert the surplus of renewable energies into chemical bonds of chemicals produced by different processes. CO 2 is a major contributor to climate change, yet it is also an undervalued source of carbon that could be recycled and represents an opportunity to generate renewable energy. In this context, PtX technologies would allow for CO 2 valorization into renewable fuels while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With this work we want to provide an up-to-date overview of biomethanation as a PtX technology by considering the biological aspects and the main parameters affecting its application and scalability at an industrial level. Particular attention will be paid to the concept of CO 2 -streams valorization and to the integration of the process with renewable energies. Aspects related to new promising technologies such as in situ, ex situ, hybrid biomethanation and the concept of underground methanation will be discussed, also in connection with recent application cases. Furthermore, the technical and economic feasibility will be critically analyzed to highlight current options and limitations for implementing a sustainable process.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruggero Bellini & Ilaria Bassani & Arianna Vizzarro & Annalisa Abdel Azim & Nicolò Santi Vasile & Candido Fabrizio Pirri & Francesca Verga & Barbara Menin, 2022. "Biological Aspects, Advancements and Techno-Economical Evaluation of Biological Methanation for the Recycling and Valorization of CO 2," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-34, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:11:p:4064-:d:829728
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eduardo Sánchez Nocete & Javier Pérez Rodríguez, 2022. "A Simple Methodology for Estimating the Potential Biomethane Production in a Region: Application in a Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-18, November.

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