The improvement of the efficiency and environmental performance of energy-related products is of crucial importance in a circular economy scenario, in which producing and consuming goods in a more efficient and sustainable way is the main goal as well as integrating effectively renewable sources. In this perspective, the present paper aims at assessing the carbon and energy footprint of an integrated process for the valorisation of the flue gas, mainly composed of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, coupled with a Power to Gas (P2G) strategy as renewables integration mean. The process consists in simultaneously converting nitrogen in ammonia through the Haber-Bosch process and carbon dioxide in methane via Sabatier reaction using hydrogen produced by renewable electricity excess. The pathway is evaluated using life cycle assessment (LCA). Life cycle assessment methodology (LCA) is used to identify and quantify energy costs and environmental impacts in global warming potential of the method during the life cycle of the systems. A detailed discussion of the outputs is presented together with a comparison of the proposed sustainable production options with the related existing fossil-based processes.
Environmental and energy evaluation of different options for flue gas valorization by P2G integration
Beatrice Castellani
;Alberto M. Gambelli;Sara Rinaldi;Elena Morini;Elisabetta Anderini;Federico Rossi;Franco Cotana
2017
Abstract
The improvement of the efficiency and environmental performance of energy-related products is of crucial importance in a circular economy scenario, in which producing and consuming goods in a more efficient and sustainable way is the main goal as well as integrating effectively renewable sources. In this perspective, the present paper aims at assessing the carbon and energy footprint of an integrated process for the valorisation of the flue gas, mainly composed of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, coupled with a Power to Gas (P2G) strategy as renewables integration mean. The process consists in simultaneously converting nitrogen in ammonia through the Haber-Bosch process and carbon dioxide in methane via Sabatier reaction using hydrogen produced by renewable electricity excess. The pathway is evaluated using life cycle assessment (LCA). Life cycle assessment methodology (LCA) is used to identify and quantify energy costs and environmental impacts in global warming potential of the method during the life cycle of the systems. A detailed discussion of the outputs is presented together with a comparison of the proposed sustainable production options with the related existing fossil-based processes.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
