HyGear contributes to Project RemO₂val: new insights for safe biomethane injection into the British gas grid
Within the project, HyGear contributed its expertise in the field of oxygen removal. Specifically, research was conducted into how biomethane producers can clean their gas before injection into the gas grid, thereby limiting corrosion risks in pipelines and underground storage facilities.
Challenge: oxygen and corrosion
An increasing share of biomethane leads to higher oxygen concentrations in the gas network. This can cause corrosion, especially in underground gas storage facilities. Project RemO₂val analysed three possible solutions:
- Corrosion inhibitors that adhere to the inside of pipes. The study concluded that there is currently no market-ready solution available that offers sufficient protection.
- Internal lining of piping, which can offer protection against increased oxygen levels, but is not practical for use throughout the entire network.
- Oxygen removal from biomethane, to which HyGear contributed its knowledge and technology. This approach appears to be technically robust and effective, but requires careful consideration of costs, scale and responsibilities within the business case.
The next steps
The discovery phase of Project RemO₂val has now been completed and has provided valuable insights into technical feasibility, corrosion impact and commercial preconditions. For HyGear, this confirms the role that oxygen removal can play as a key solution for safe biomethane injection.
The next step is the alpha phase, in which a detailed study will be conducted into system design, placement in the network and economic optimisation. A pilot installation is then being considered in a possible beta phase.
HyGear looks forward to continuing this collaboration and remains committed to innovative solutions that accelerate the energy transition and contribute to a flexible and sustainable gas system.