The result of FemoGas's consolidated experience, a company specialising in the production of certified biomethane, and Sikuel's IT expertise, K-Biomet integrates cloud applications, connected devices and vertical skills for the digitalisation of biomethane logistics, production and sales processes.
K-Biomet combines the ability to computerise processes, monitor performance and guarantee maximum transparency in a single platform.
22 October 2024 – In Italy there are approximately 1,800 active biogas plants, with an annual production of 2.5 billion cubic metres of renewable gas. Italy is the fourth largest producer of biogas, after Germany, China, and the United States. But that's not all. The Italian biomethane market is among the fastest growing in Europe: according to data from EBA, the European Biogas Association, Italy has gone from 1 plant active in 2018 to 51 plants operational in 2022 (latest data available), of which 18 are agricultural[1]. According to the National Integrated Plan for Energy and Climate (PNIEC) 2024-2030, biomethane production is expected to reach approximately 6 billion cubic metres by 2030, covering between 15.1% and 20.1% of Italy’s gas requirements[2].
And the production of biogas and biomethane in Italy has significant growth potential: further investments are indeed planned for 4.5 billion euros[3]. In this context, and precisely to support the development of an expanding market, it was created K-Biomet (https://k-biomet.com/), the new platform for intelligent biogas management and biomethane, a product of the Group's experience FemoGas, a cutting-edge company in the renewable energy sector – it produces biomethane from biomass in facilities ranging from Sicily to Veneto – a national leader in sustainability, and Sikuel – Maggioli Group, an IT company focusing on themes related to the digital transformation of Smart Cities and Public Utilities.
Thanks to its know-how in the digitalisation of services and processes, Sikuel has developed an integrated IT system that synthesises the wealth of knowledge through which FemoGas has innovatively addressed and resolved all the management aspects of its large, high-tech biomethane plants. This systematically organised and codified knowledge is now available to assist other operators in the same market.
How K-Biomet Works: Integrated Logistics, Production Biology and LNG Sales
K-Biomet, through cloud applications and connected devices, manages the entire virtuous cycle of biomethane, from the collection and transport of solid and liquid waste from farms, to its transformation into digestate and biomethane, products that are then resold in the form of LNG or CNG, and fertilisers for agriculture.
The platform, in fact, starting from geofencing of land parcel maps, with the cross-referencing of cadastral data and crop historical data, it allows for Biomass and effluent tracking Animal technologists through intelligent sensors in proximity, for tank level, for detection and identification, and interfaces with weighbridges and automatic barriers. With the Vehicle tracking and route optimisation ensure full loads during transit. Still, it allows to Analyse production cycle data up to the Plant Balance and Mass Balance. Finally, K-Biomet also allows LNG sales via a dedicated user area for managing collection booking requests, GNL loading checklist management, acquisition of parameters for the loading certificate and completion of delivery notes, all in compliance with international ADR protocols
Through the use of K-Biomet, it is therefore possible to obtain a greater sustainability transport, and a time reduction and of production costs, and a historical contextualisation of movements of means and material, a certification of quantities at destination and finally the real-time data availability, functionalities that allow for completely digital plant management and are instrumental in obtaining essential data and information for smart process management.
“With K-Biomet, we participate in the development of a sustainable environment by integrating cloud applications, connected devices, and vertical expertise for the digitalisation of biomethane logistics, production and sales processes. – explains Orazio Distefano, CEO of Sikuel – Biomethane, in fact, It is a strategic resource because it provides a valid sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, which are finite and highly polluting, reduces dependence on fuel imports, promotes the circular economy through energy recovery from biomass, and can be integrated into existing gas distribution infrastructures.”
In Italy, the potential for biomethane is high due to the broad availability of biomass sources, but Out of over 2,000 biogas plants, only 85 produce biomethane[4]. Some of these are managed by FemoGas Spa.
The FemoGas Case: A Reality That Sets a Precedent
“An important advantage of K-Biomet – stated Stefano Scotton, COO of FemoGas – is to enable timely monitoring, even with significant numbers to process (suppliers, stables, third-party contractors, vehicles...), an operation that would be very difficult and expensive to manage manually. The digital platform therefore guarantees full traceability of logistics and biomass moved and, furthermore, simpler reporting on sustainability, thanks to an analytical system based on plant intelligence.”
Sikuel and FemoGas will also be present, from 5 to 8 November, a Ecomondo 2024, the benchmark event for technological innovation and ecological transition in the Mediterranean region, with a dedicated stand for the official presentation of the new digital solution K-Biomet. Hall B6 Stand 206.
[1] Source: https://www.liberta.it/news/green-future/2024/03/25/il-futuro-del-biogas-italiano-passa-da-comunita-energetiche-e-biometano/
[2] Source: https://www.rigeneriamoterritorio.it/quale-futuro-per-il-biometano-in-italia/
[3] Source: https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/biogas-italia-leader-europa-1600-impianti-attivi-AD0JRQ0
[4] Source: https://www.connectendress.it/biometano-che-cosa-e-come-si-produce
