Market Feasibility Of Methane Bio-filtration Technology In Alberta To Control Point Source Low-volume Methane Emissions
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2013
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Methane has a global warming potential that is twenty five times more than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas. It is naturally occurring in the atmosphere and also generated from various anthropogenic activities such as industrial, commercial, agricultural and waste processes. According to the ERCB 2012 Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring and Venting Report, 2011, “The combined volume of flared and vented solution gas increased to 785 million cubic meters (106 m3) (27 856 million cubic feet [MMcf]) in 2011.” A look at these numbers indicates that though these are low-volume point sources, the numbers add up exceptionally. The question therefore is how to control these lower volume point source emissions. There are numerous on-going researches to minimize methane emitted in the atmosphere and mitigate climate change. One of such researches is the testing of bio-filters that convert low volumes of methane into CO2 with the help of bacteria at the University of Calgary. There are on-going pilot projects to aid in the deployment of the technology into industry. The bio-filters are being designed to address point source low volume methane emission of up to 100m3 flow per day. Low volume emissions are the focus of the research as the volumes add up quickly and become quite significant. Higher volumes are easier to manage as they are more economically viable to generate electricity. It is advantageous that the research and testing is taking place in Alberta, as the province has a climate change policy in place to reduce overall emissions. The Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation (CCEMC) through its Biological Greenhouse Gas Management Program fund such researches to find lasting solutions to reduce greenhouse gases. The Methane Bio-filter Technology is in its early stages with various field-scale pilot projects in place to continually test the technology. The pilot projects have had a high degree of success. This report will explore Methane Bio-filter Technology as an innovative technology with an aim to offset methane emissions from low point sources and thus increase their energy efficiency. It will involve analyzing why and how by offsetting methane from low point sources using Methane Bio-filter Technology makes sense for the industry. This paper will also assess how the bio-filters can be applied in various sectors as well as the market feasibility of introducing the technology into industry. The industry analysis will include a PESTEL, SWOT and Five Forces analysis with Alberta’s industry sector in mind. Furthermore, it incorporates and discusses technological aspects and relevant environmental issues. In addition, economic and regulatory aspects will also be addressed keeping energy as the focal point.
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Omole, K., Jindal, S., & Darain, S. (2013). Market Feasibility Of Methane Bio-filtration Technology In Alberta To Control Point Source Low-volume Methane Emissions (Unpublished report). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.