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The Potential of Biomethane in Replacing Fossil Fuels in Heavy Transport—A Case Study on Finland

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  • Anna Pääkkönen

    (Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 8, 33720 Tampere, Finland
    MAB Powertec Oy, Finlaysoninkatu 7, 33210 Tampere, Finland)

  • Kalle Aro

    (Faculty of Management and Business, Tampere University, Kanslerinrinne 1, 33100 Tampere, Finland)

  • Pami Aalto

    (Faculty of Management and Business, Tampere University, Kanslerinrinne 1, 33100 Tampere, Finland)

  • Jukka Konttinen

    (Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 8, 33720 Tampere, Finland)

  • Matti Kojo

    (Faculty of Management and Business, Tampere University, Kanslerinrinne 1, 33100 Tampere, Finland)

Abstract

Electrification is a frequently discussed solution for reducing transport related carbon dioxide emissions. However, transport sectors such as aviation and heavy-duty vehicles remain dependent on on-board fuels. Here, biomethane is still a little exploited solution, and the case of heavy-duty vehicles is particularly underappreciated despite the recent technical advances and potentially notable emission reductions. This paper discusses the potential of biomethane in heavy-duty road transport in the case of Finland, where the utilization rate is low compared to the technical potential. To this end, the potential of biomethane production through both anaerobic digestion and gasification was calculated in three scenarios for the heavy-duty transport fleet, based on the literature values of biomethane potential and truck class fuel consumption. The authors find that approximately half of the heavy-duty transport in Finland could be biomethane fueled by 2030. The estimated production costs for biomethane (81–190 €/MWh) would be competitive with the current consumer diesel price (152 €/MWh). Utilizing the total biomethane potential in heavy-duty transport would furthermore decrease the respective carbon dioxide emissions by 50%. To accelerate the transition in the heavy-duty transport sector, a more comprehensive political framework is needed, taking into account both production and consumption.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Pääkkönen & Kalle Aro & Pami Aalto & Jukka Konttinen & Matti Kojo, 2019. "The Potential of Biomethane in Replacing Fossil Fuels in Heavy Transport—A Case Study on Finland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(17), pages 1-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:17:p:4750-:d:262599
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    Cited by:

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    2. Roberto Murano & Natascia Maisano & Roberta Selvaggi & Gioacchino Pappalardo & Biagio Pecorino, 2021. "Critical Issues and Opportunities for Producing Biomethane in Italy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-14, April.
    3. Gaoweijia Wang & Shanshan Li & Li Yang, 2022. "Research on the Pathway of Green Financial System to Implement the Realization of China’s Carbon Neutrality Target," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-18, February.
    4. Pauls P. Argalis & Kristine Vegere, 2021. "Perspective Biomethane Potential and Its Utilization in the Transport Sector in the Current Situation of Latvia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-18, July.
    5. James Gaffey & Cathal O’Donovan & Declan Murphy & Tracey O’Connor & David Walsh & Luis Alejandro Vergara & Kwame Donkor & Lalitha Gottumukkala & Sybrandus Koopmans & Enda Buckley & Kevin O’Connor & Jo, 2023. "Synergetic Benefits for a Pig Farm and Local Bioeconomy Development from Extended Green Biorefinery Value Chains," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-22, May.
    6. Takman, Johanna & Andersson-Sköld, Yvonne, 2021. "A framework for barriers, opportunities, and potential solutions for renewable energy diffusion: Exemplified by liquefied biogas for heavy trucks," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 150-160.
    7. Sofia Dahlgren & Jonas Ammenberg, 2022. "Environmental Considerations Regarding Freight Transport among Buyers of Transport Services in Sweden," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-19, September.
    8. Kirsi Kotilainen & Pami Aalto & Jussi Valta & Antti Rautiainen & Matti Kojo & Benjamin K. Sovacool, 2019. "From path dependence to policy mixes for Nordic electric mobility: Lessons for accelerating future transport transitions," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 52(4), pages 573-600, December.

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