Within the scope of Line 6 of Biomethane Action Plan (PAB 2024–2040), namely “Conduct studies and developments for the strategic implementation of projects and assess the need for new connections to the existing infrastructure for the injection of biomethane at the regional level”, the National Laboratory for Energy and Geology, I.P. (LNEG), having gathered information from public and private entities, has developed a National Atlas for Biomethane.
Purpose
To support the decision-making process in identifying the most favourable locations for the implementation of biomethane production units, considering proximity to biogas sources, potential consumers, and/or the gas network, thus contributing to the implementation of the PAB – Portuguese Biomethane Action Plan.
To this end, the following were identified and georeferenced:
- Potential sources of biogas (agriculture, landfills, wastewater treatment plants, agro-industry, etc.);
- The annual amounts of biomethane produced by these sources were quantified in m3/h and classified into 4 categories: High / Medium / Low / Very Low.
Potential end consumers of biomethane including industries, Autonomous Gas Units, injection points into the gas grid, gas refueling stations, etc.
For the development of the Atlas of Continental Portugal, a 20 x 20 km2 grid was established, totalling 278 grid squares throughout the continental territory. In each grid square, clusters of biomethane producers and consumers were identified. The Atlas adopts an approach that is only suitable for producer-consumer proximity business models.
What it is
A map developed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software combining several layers of detailed geographic information at a scale of 1:25,000 for mainland Portugal. It can be combined with other maps, such as the transport network, for example.
What information was considered
The Atlas
Potential biogas sources: urban waste landfills, WWTPs, agribusiness (olive oil mills, wineries, slaughterhouses, milk processing, other animal and vegetable raw materials industries, such as beer production, tomato processing, juice manufacturing, almond, chestnut, and rice shelling, salads, and dried fruit), intensive livestock facilities, and areas producing agricultural waste/byproducts (olive groves, orchards, rice fields, vineyards, corn, and tomato cultivation areas). For each of these, the current potential methane production in m3/year was estimated.
Potential industry consumers: ceramic industries, glass industries.
Potential consumers in the transport sector: public transportation company headquarters (urban and intercity), main points of interest for heavy goods transportation, REPA fuel stations network, and natural gas fuelling stations for vehicles.
Injection points in the natural gas network
UAGs (Autonomous Gas Units)
The Biomethane Atlas, which is continuously updated, is now available at geoPortal LNEG
For further information, please contact info.geral@lneg.pt
Disclaimer: The Biomethane Atlas does not replace case-by-case analysis of project location, nor does it replace project permitting. It should be used for information purposes only. The adopted scale of analysis is limited by the resolution and accuracy of the baseline data
