Methanation Plant Ready for Operation in Upper Austria
A significant milestone has been reached within the Hy2Market project with the completion of a mobile methanation pilot plant in Upper Austria. Developed by the Chair of Process Technology and Environmental Protection at Montanuniversität Leoben (MUL), in collaboration with K1-MET GmbH and voestalpine Stahl GmbH, this state-of-the-art facility is poised to demonstrate the potential of catalytic methanation as a key technology for sustainable energy transition.
The pilot plant focuses on power-to-gas (PtG) processes, converting CO₂ and renewable hydrogen into synthetic methane, and is designed to address key challenges in dynamic operation, such as fluctuating hydrogen supply linked to renewable energy generation. It also supports the integration of PtG systems into existing industrial infrastructures, such as the voestalpine steel plant in Linz, optimizing processes for technical and economic feasibility.
MUL’s expertise in catalytic methanation and power-to-liquid (PtL) technologies, including methanol and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, has been integral to the design, realization, and optimization of this facility. The pilot plant builds on lab-scale developments (TRL3), advancing the technology to TRL4-5/6 with a mobile containerized system. This marks a step toward eventual deployment at TRL7 and beyond.
Currently, the plant is in its final commissioning stages, with pressure testing and catalyst activation underway. Soon, the experimental campaigns are ready to begin which will further validate the technology.
This achievement underscores the potential of PtG technologies to decarbonize industry and create scalable solutions for a sustainable future. Stay tuned for updates as experiments commence!
Copyright © voestalpine Stahl GmbH (Eder)/K1-MET GmbH (Niederhauser)