Biowert project:
Use of biogas plants for the synthesis of chemical products - Knowledge-based development of iron catalysts for the
Fischer-Tropsch synthesis
(completed)
Due to the changing subsidy policy framework in connection with the amendment of the EEG law, the economic viability of many of the more than 270 biogas plants in Saxony as producers of electricity and heat is in question. An important objective for plant constructors and operators is therefore the diversification of existing biogas plants through the production of high-quality products. In addition to achieving a subsidy-independent economic viability of biogas plants, this can make an important contribution to the development of smart grids in connection with the energy transition. Diversification focuses on high-priced value-added products such as waxes, which can be used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, as lubricants and additives for paints and coatings.
Industrially used waxes have so far been obtained petrochemically from fossil raw materials. Due to increasing demand, it is expected that this will exceed the supply of fossil waxes in the near future. In addition to these favorable boundary conditions for the desired process, the waxes produced can be marketed under the label "organic". This is particularly important for the cosmetic wax market. It is also advantageous that the products produced in the process are free of polycyclic and aromatic compounds and thus, in contrast to numerous fossil waxes, are suitable for such an application.
In addition to the main product, wax, the desired process supplies green diesel as a product, which can either be sold directly or converted into electricity as required during periods of high electricity prices using pilot jet engines installed at the biogas plant. In this way, the plants contribute both to the energy transition and to increasing their own profitability. The heat provided in the process is required for biogas production and can also be fed into any existing district heating network. Due to the high temperature level, other processes such as the drying of agricultural products are also possible uses for the heat.
The aim of the joint project is to develop and demonstrate a catalytic process that can be used to economically produce waxes from biogas that can be used in numerous industrial applications. The possibility of providing electricity, heat and products will free biogas plant operation from its current heavy dependence on political framework conditions.
The sub-project "Knowledge-based development of iron catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis" to be carried out by TU Bergakademie Freiberg aims to provide low-cost iron-based catalysts for the synthesis stage as an alternative to the commercially available, cost-intensive cobalt catalysts. Based on the latest findings on the reaction process and the use of promoters, catalysts are being developed that should enable good conversions with simultaneous high chain growth to the particularly valuable and desired kerosene waxes.