These meetings focused on the gas technologies of today and tomorrow, their potential and the measures taken to accelerate their development.
Here is a summary of these exchanges which reminded us of the essential role of renewable and low-carbon gases in promoting the energy transition for several reasons: continuous production, ease of storage, existing installations, a transport and distribution network available, the contribution to waste management, a regional issue...
The gas industry currently has 5 technological and innovation building blocks:
- methanation, methane by fermentation;
- pyrogasification, methane by processing carbonaceous waste;
- hydrothermal gasification, methane by high temperature aqueous treatment;
- methanation, methane from CO2 and hydrogen;
- the use of fossil gases coupled with carbon capture and storage.
These technologies are at different stages of maturity and have a significant total potential of more than 335 TWh by 2050. An overview shows that this identified potential is part of a complementarity of the different uses and largely covers all of these uses.
- Anaerobic digestion: methane obtained by fermentation > a potential of 190 TWh in 2050 for a production on the same date of 135 TWh;
- Pyrogasification: methane by thermal treatment of carbonaceous waste > a potential of 180 TWh for a production on the same date of 90 TWh;
- Hydrothermal gasification: methane by aqueous treatment at high temperature > a potential of 100 TWh for a production on the same date of 50 TWh;
- Methanation: methane from CO2 and hydrogen > a potential of 120 TWh for a production on the same date of 60 TWh.
The third gas revolution is based on the development of these new technologies conditioned by a stable regulatory and financial framework.
The opinion of the participating experts*:
For Jean-Marc Leroy, President of the French Gas Association: “Renewable and low-carbon gases will ensure the country's energy autonomy and competitiveness. We would like these new gases to be complementary to other energies in order to make the most of each of them. »
For David MARCHAL, Deputy Executive Director for Expertise and Programs at Ademe: “Gas remains present in our 4 prospective carbon neutrality scenarios for France by 2050 at fairly significant levels ranging from 150 TWh to more than 350 TWh. In 3 out of 4 scenarios the gas is more than 80% renewable."
For Alexis Masse, Strategy Delegate at GRDF: "The 5 technological and innovation bricks can cover more than the uses of France in 2050."
For Élodie Le Cadre Loret, Lead Science Advisor at Engie: “In addition to these figures on the potential of current technologies, there are various options that can provide more flexibility, such as carbon storage capture solutions, potential for the development of bio-propane; France could represent a hub for e-methane in transit or imported or even the presence of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen on which to rely. »
For Frédéric Martin, Deputy Managing Director at GRDF: “Methanization was twice as fast as expected, we have 383 operational methanizers and 1000 others are planned. »
For Thierry Trouvou, CEO of GRTgaz: “We are going through a sustainable energy crisis in Europe, which is why we have to go all out on solar, wind and biomethane, we no longer have the luxury of doing without anything. »
Three other thematic workshops will take place soon, they will address: mobility, industry and construction.
*Speakers who participated in these workshops: Élodie Le Cadre, Lead Science Advisor at ENGIE - Laurent FULCHERI, Research Director at the Persée Center of Mines-ParisTech - Frédéric Martin, Deputy Managing Director of GRDF - Thierry Caquet, Scientific Director Environment at the INRAE, Isabelle Moretti from the Academy of Technologies, Energy and Culture Centers - Alexis Masse, GRDF Strategy Delegate, Chairman of the AFG's "Renewable Gas" Commission - Jean-François DELAITRE, Chairman of the AAMF, Thierry TROUVE, Chief Executive Officer of GRTgaz - David MARCHAL, Deputy Executive Director for Expertise and Programs at Ademe - Olivier GUERRINI, Senior Vice President Biogas Business Unit, TotalEnergies - Charles-Antoine GAUTIER, Deputy Director for Energy at the FNCCR - Frédéric MARTIN, Deputy Managing Director, GRDF - Philippe BOUCLY, President of France Hydrogène, Monique AXELOS - Scientific Director for food and the bioeconomy, at INRAE.