The power-to-gas (PtG) concept enables the long-term storage of surplus electrical energy from the sun and wind by producing hydrogen through the electrolysis of water. In a further step, the hydrogen obtained is converted into methane using carbon dioxide (e.g. from biogas plants or power stations). After CO₂ methanation, also known as the Sabatier reaction, the synthetic natural gas (SNG) is fed into the existing natural gas grid, which is a promising method for hydrogen storage.

The fluctuating availability of renewable energy sources, which leads to an intermittent hydrogen supply, is a challenge within the PtG concept. In this context, it is necessary to operate the methanation reactor under dynamic conditions. Continuous load changes and periodic shutdowns are expected scenarios within the dynamic methanation concept.

As part of the DynMeth project, novel catalysts for dynamic CO₂ methanation are to be developed in two sub-projects by the Professorship for Reaction Engineering and the DBI-GTI Freiberg. The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The work at the Professorship for Reaction Engineering focuses on the knowledge-based development of highly active, non-toxic and dynamically operable catalytic materials to replace conventional Ni-based catalysts and increase material efficiency. In addition, the project partner DBI-GTI is responsible for the development of a suitable plant and reactor concept. The project is to be completed by conducting dynamic CO₂ methanation tests in the DBI-GTI demonstrator plant after the novel, Ni-free catalyst has been scaled up.