Advancing Renewable Energy with Biomethane Production
In July 2020, SMAT successfully completed one of Europe’s most significant biomethane production projects, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable energy development. The initiative, carried out at the Castiglione Torinese wastewater treatment plant, focuses on biogas upgrading and injecting biomethane into the natural gas network, setting a benchmark for renewable gas infrastructure.
A Strategic Partnership for Innovation
In June 2019, SMAT launched a competitive tender for the design and construction of a biogas upgrading and injection system. The contract was awarded to Tonello Energie, an EPC contractor specializing in renewable energy solutions. To ensure technological excellence, Pietro Fiorentini, a global leader in oil and gas system components, was selected as the Main Technological Partner.
Integrated Solutions for Renewable Gas Utilization
Through this project, Tonello Energie and Pietro Fiorentini have positioned themselves as industry pioneers, among the first Italian companies capable of delivering fully integrated biogas upgrading and injection systems. Their collaboration enables:
- Seamless process integration, optimizing plant efficiency.
- Cost-effective solutions, leveraging synergies between design, construction, installation, and maintenance.
- Comprehensive renewable gas solutions, enhancing biomethane production capabilities.
Technical Specifications of the Biogas Upgrading Plant
The plant is designed to recover and purify biogas produced through the anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge. Key system features include:
- Two fully operational biogas purification lines, each processing 900 Nm³/h.
- Scalability with a third purification line, bringing total potential capacity to 2,700 Nm³/h.
- State-of-the-art gas injection systems, ensuring seamless biomethane integration into the natural gas grid.
Overcoming Challenges and Delivering Excellence
Despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tonello Energie – Pietro Fiorentini team demonstrated exceptional adaptability and efficiency, achieving key project milestones, including:
- December 2019: Delivery of initial plant components, including gas injection units, post-burners, and pre-processing modules.
- Mid-2020: Successful plant testing and commissioning, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- On-time project completion, within the six-month contractual deadline, enabling access to government incentives for renewable energy projects.
A Benchmark for the Future of Renewable Gas
The biomethane injection facility at SMAT’s Castiglione Torinese site represents a major step forward in the circular economy, supporting decarbonization goals by converting waste-derived biogas into clean, grid-compatible biomethane.
This achievement underscores Pietro Fiorentini and Tonello Energie’s leadership in biogas upgrading technology, setting the stage for future projects that will drive the transition to a sustainable energy system.
