Nordsol: on-site plants which convert biogas into biofuel
Nordsol specialises in transforming biogas into sustainable bio-LNG (liquefied biomethane) for long-haul, heavy-duty transport.
The raw material is simply organic waste. The waste is converted into biogas through anaerobic digestion, then the methane is separated from carbon dioxide and other critical components and liquified. This produces bio-LNG, a renewable replacement for LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) which is used in heavy-duty road transport and maritime shipping, using existing LNG engines and refuelling infrastructure.
Nordsol works with organisations to set up automated bio-LNG plants on site, alongside their biogas facilities. They supply, install and commission all the necessary technology, tailored to the needs of each project. The liquefaction technology itself can be integrated into existing or new biogas upgrading installations, or can be supplied as a complete plant for producing bio-LNG and biogenic liquid carbon dioxide from biogas.
Their plants can be sized to fit requirements: the smallest processes 120-300 normal cubic metres of biomethane per hour, and the largest processes 1800-2700 normal cubic metres. They are modular in design, meaning that a plant's capacity can be increased as needs change.
The process uses electricity only: it takes 0.75 to 0.7 kWh of electricity to produce a kilogram of bio-LNG. It's an efficient process, with no methane escaping in the form of emissions. The carbon dioxide is captured and reused as a refrigerant.
The company built and operates the Netherlands' first small-scale bio-LNG plant in Amsterdam, launched in collaboration with Shell and Renewi.
The company offers scalable modular plants with capacities ranging from 2.5 tonnes per day (12 GWh/year) to 45 tonnes per day (225 GWh/year).
The process creates a renewable fuel with up to 92% lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels.
The project contributes to substantial CO₂ emission reductions, supporting a cleaner environment and promoting sustainability in the heavy transport sector.