Samspel, etablering och koppling mellan naturgas och biogas
Sweden has a natural gas grid extending along the west coast, from Trelleborg to Stenungsund. There are also several smaller local networks where a planned natural gas pipeline from Skutskär to Hofors prompted the need for a comprehensive study. This study examines the linkages that exist in terms of technology and market of natural gas and biogas in Sweden. Sweden has set high targets for the future with ambition to become independent of coal and oil as energy sources. Since 1985, a part of the solution has been import of Danish natural gas. The Danish natural gas fields are now depleting and the closest alternative is natural gas from Germany via Denmark where the German natural gas largely comes from Russia. Norwegian natural gas is currently unattractive due to the higher price and the fact that the cost of transport of natural gas is a minor cost in the context. In addition to transport natural gas in pipelines, it can be compressed and transported by trucks and trains. It is also possible to cool the gas and transport it by ships, mainly because it then takes 2.6 times less space than gas in compressed form. Method of transport depends on the environment, economy and infrastructure in the region. Although natural gas harms the environment less than coal and oil, it is still not a long-term solution, since natural gas is a fossil fuel. Therefore upgraded biogas has become an alternative. Yet its total potential is not utilized but since it is renewable and possible to mix with natural gas, the biogas has a promising future. This report discusses several methods of transportation, blending and storage of gases. Although technologies have come a long way, it is important to use political tools to firmly establish biogas and replace natural gas as much as possible as part of the solution to one day stop using fossil fuels. Otherwise Sweden risks becoming a society that goes from coal and oil to another fossil fuel. To meet environmental objectives it is important to be independent of coal and oil. This is especially true for regions like Gästrikland and Dalarna as these require a lot of energy for their industries. Since natural gas and biogas can be mixed at all needs in Sweden, it is quite possible that the natural gas grid can be extended and allows for a gradual transition to biogas. Great opportunities with mixture of gases allows for an earlier introduction of biogas into the natural gas grid. Therefore it is necessary to use political instruments to steer the development in order to bring forward the full potential of biogas as soon as possible. A separate market for biogas also increasing interest in further investment as it reduces the uncertainty among investors.