Biomethane
What is Biomethane?
Biomethane is a renewable gas derived from biogas, which can be sourced from various forms of organic material such as green waste, food industry byproducts, agricultural and industrial waste.
Biogas is produced through a biological process known as anaerobic digestion, where microorganisms break down the material in an oxygen free environment. The resultant biogas is predominantly methane (60%), with the remaining 40% being carbon dioxide and trace elements such as hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen, and oxygen. This biogas can upgraded to result in a product that is nearly pure methane, known as biomethane.
Biomethane is essentially interchangeable with natural gas and can be seamlessly blended into existing gas networks without modification, but with the advantage of being carbon-neutral. This makes biomethane an effective method of decarbonising homes, businesses and industry.
Today, in Australia biogas is largely used to generate electricity in combined heat and power plants or is flared. There is significant opportunity to upgrade biogas into biomethane for supply to customers via existing gas infrastructure, helping customers to decarbonise this existing energy supply without further changes.
Biomethane Process Map
Connect with us
Our distribution networks are located here. Please contact us and we can refer you the appropriate contact and specific biomethane connection options.
If you would like to discuss the potential of supplying biomethane as part of your project, please download the PDF below.
The connection process
To learn more about the 7 stages of the connection process, please click on the bubbles / pipes below:
Stage 1: Initial Enquiry and Network Capacity Study
- Initial discussion: Proponent contacts AGIG for an initial discussion
- Location review: Proponent reviews distribution network maps to understand project proximity to gas infrastructure
- Connection enquiry: Proponent completes the connection enquiry form
- AGIG assessment: AGIG provides a high-level network analysis and capacity assessment, advising on any potential high-level issues
- Location and type/size of nearest appropriate distribution main
- Information about equipment required to connect to the network
- Information on required data sharing arrangements
- Information on required gas quality
Timeframe: AGIG will provide a response to the connection enquiry within 15 business days
Stage 2: Detailed Analysis Study (DAS)
The DAS will provide proponents with further information in relation to the following matters (as relevant):
- Network entry connection options
- Network capacity flows and constraints
- Indication of costs for the network to carry out the pipeline construction, augmentation and connection
- Indication of costs for the network to procure and install the injection facility
- Plant and equipment required to be provided by the customer
- Details of proposed site and pipeline route
- Gas Quality risk assessment
- Injection Constraints, Injection pressure etc
- Quote of estimated costs of interconnection
AGIG may pass through any fees associated with undertaking this work to the proponent, this will be discussed and agreed before costs are incurred.
Timeframe: AGIG will provide the DAS within 2 - 12 months depending on complexity and regulatory approvals. Proponent will be provided a more accurate estimate of timeframe early in the process.
Stage 3: Approvals
- Approvals: Proponent obtains any necessary approvals or consents required under the National Gas Law, National Gas Rules, Gas Safety Act 1997 (Vic) and any other applicable laws
Timeframe: As required by the proponent
Stage 4: Connection offer
- Confirmation: Proponent provides written confirmation to AGIG outlining an intent to connect
- Connection offer: AGIG provides:
- A connection offer and related Connection Agreement
- If required, a rule 287A agreement (if requested by the distribution connected facility operator to allow the injection of gas that does not comply with the standard gas quality specifications)
Timeframe: The agreements will be provided as soon as reasonably practical to the proponent
Stage 5: Construction and commissioning
- Construction and commissioning of the network injection facility and associated connection infrastructure such as gas mains extension: Undertaken by the responsible party, as designated in the connection offer
Stage 6: Sign-off
- Notification: AGIG advises the proponent of any sign-offs or approvals required to be obtained prior to finalising the connection
- Testing: Proponent complete on-site testing of the connection facility and associated
- Approval: Pending the completion of testing and sign off, AGIG will approve the connection and production can begin
Stage 7: On-going obligations
- Reporting: For the life of the connection, the proponent will need to periodically provide information to AGIG consistent with the Connection Agreemen t, this includes, but is not limited to:
- Contact details for both emergency contact (outside of business hours) and operational contact (during business hours)
- Calibration files
- Planned maintenance schedule (at least annually or as otherwise agreed)
- Gas sampling test results to the timescales outlined in your sampling protocol
- Test results associated with the measurement equipment
- Details of any unplanned outages
- Responses to any inspections associated with the facility
Timeframe: Project closure meetings
Stage 1
Stage 3
Stage 2
Stage 4
Stage 5
Stage 6
Stage 7
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Acknowledgement of Country
AGIG acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands upon which we live and operate, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s historical and ongoing connection to land and waters, and we embrace the spirit of reconciliation.
