Research

This project builds on the framework developed in RP1.2-03 and aims to develop and apply an integrated model for the techno-economic viability assessment of bio-methane projects in Australia.

The model would be robust and easy-to-use; and would benefit both industry end-users examining the viability of a potential site and policy makers exploring the effect of different incentives on the development of the bio-gas industry in Australia.

Update: 4 June 2024 – Online economic assessment tool and webinar

At our latest webinar on the techno-economics of biomethane projects, Sam Culley from the University of Adelaide  shared their latest research and a new online tool to explore how to de-risk biomethane projects and improve their viability in Australia.

The research team have developed a techno-economic assessment tool for Australian biomethane projects using all the above parameters. Sam will present on how they have used the tool to identify key factors affecting the LCOE of biomethane and potential related leverage points to help reduce it. They have also examined the impact of potential government policies in supporting biomethane projects and how these could affect economic viability.

The online tool is available for free at: https://exchange.iseesystems.com/public/sam-culley/biomethane-viability-tool

A User Guide and Model Overview (pdf) to support the tool is also available.

Sam was joined by a panel of industry experts to explore and discuss the research:
Ragini Prasad, Executive Officer, Victorian Bioenergy Network
Mike Davis, Managing Director, Optimal Renewable Gas
Benjy Lee, Benjy Lee Consulting (host)

Update: 24 May 2024

Future Fuels CRC has made Report 3 – Factors affecting the viability of biomethane projects available publicly to all parties outside the CRC (i.e. open access). Click on the green text to access this report.

Update: 2 July 2022

Future Fuels CRC researcher Sam Culley from the University of Adelaide shared the latest insights from their techno-economic assessment of the viability of biomethane production for bioenergy hub locations across Australia at a Future Fuels CRC webinar:

The research report is available for download and sharing here:

Download Report: Where are the most viable locations for bioenergy hubs across Australia

Many thanks also to our expert industry panel:

• David Norman, CEO, Future Fuels CRC
• Shahana McKenzie, CEO, Bioenergy Australia
• Ash Salardini, Chief Economist and General Manager Trade, National Farmers Federation
• Gabrielle Sycamore, General Manager Renewable Gas, Jemena
• James Khedari, Portfolio Director, Low Carbon Fuels and Services, Viva Energy
• Panel Host: Benjy Lee, Strategic Advisor, Future Fuels CRC, owner Benjy Lee Consulting

The outcomes of the project will be:

1. A user-friendly integrated viability assessment model for bio-methane projects.
2. A database of expected yields and costs of different combinations of feedstocks at different scales.
3. A report detailing the sites in Australia where bio-methane injection is most viable, detailing the use of the model and its application to Australian case studies, and two journal papers presenting the model and some key insights obtained for bio-methane viability in Australia.
4. A PhD thesis and accompanying publications that provide support for assessing the viability of bio-methane projects

Dr Stephen McGrail

Email: stephenmcgrail@futurefuelscrc.com