Project for the construction of a Biomethane Production Plant at the Frossos Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to inject into the public natural gas grid and promote energy transition and security.
On September 30, 2024, AGERE submitted a proposal to the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) to fund the construction of a Biomethane Production Plant at the Frossos Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Braga. As part of the "Enhanced Measure for Renewable Hydrogen Production and Other Renewable Gases," this infrastructure represents a total investment of €3,150,410.60.
The project involves developing a solution to enhance the energy potential of the biogas produced at the Frossos WWTP through the construction of a biomethane production unit, which will subsequently be injected into the public natural gas grid (RPGN) located near the WWTP. The biogas will be produced through anaerobic digestion of sludge resulting from wastewater treatment, combined with organic waste in a co-digestion process. To ensure operational sustainability, the entire process will be powered by renewable energy sources and mature technologies.
With an installed capacity of 3.50 MW, the plant will have the capacity to produce the equivalent of the average consumption of more than 11,000 households. It is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with an estimated reduction of 6,010 tons of CO2 equivalent per year, aligning with the goals set in the 2024-2040 Biomethane Action Plan (PAB). The PAB aims to reduce the national economy’s carbon footprint and decrease natural gas imports, promoting the country’s energy security and encouraging the use of this fuel in the industrial, domestic, and mobility sectors.
In parallel, the existing photovoltaic plant at the WWTP will be upgraded to meet the energy needs of biomethane production, and the Sludge Line will be restructured to enhance biogas production and improve the characteristics of the sludge, creating conditions for its use in agriculture.
With construction expected to begin in 2025, the biomethane plant is scheduled to start operations in June 2026, marking a crucial step in promoting the energy transition and circular economy in Braga and the country.