Deep Scan Tech

Deep Scan Tech supports Ukraine in improving its energy independence

The unique underground 3D scanning technology of Deep Scan Tech was applied in a pilot project in Ukraine to help develop the country’s domestic biogas production from landfills. Biogas can help countries improve their energy independence in an economically sustainable way while protecting the environment. In fact, landfill gas recovery represents the most cost-efficient technology available for biogas production according to an estimate [1] of the International Energy Agency with an average cost of 0.8 cents/kWh. This is less than a third of the typical Ukrainian natural gas price level from past years. Moreover, there is a double environmental benefit to be gained: not only is landfill gas a renewable energy resource but using it in a controlled manner also reduces uncontrolled emissions of methane to the atmosphere – a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 84 times greater than that of carbon dioxide.

“Biogas can help countries improve their energy independence in an economically sustainable way while protecting the environment.”

Deep Scan Tech is helping to solve a major problem faced in exploring for landfill gas sources: so far there has been no way to know where exactly the most productive areas for biogas are located within the landfill. The current standard approach is to drill wells around the landfill for measuring gas outflows at different areas. However, such a well may hit a hotspot of biogas production or simply miss it. These results can directly impact the decision whether to invest or not in biogas production as the results may even indicate that the whole project will not be profitable over time.

Using 3D scannings from the surface, Deep Scan Tech is able to locate areas with high humidity and organic content – the two essential conditions for biogas formation. Armed with this key information, exploration of biogas can aim directly at the most productive areas.

“Landfills represent a highly profitable potential source of biogas – if you know where to drill for it.”

The 3D scannings were conducted in the landfill of Melitopol in 2021, a city of 150 000 inhabitants, and the approach can be expanded for use around the world. Landfills are the third largest [2] source of methane emissions globally. All landfill operators have to limit methane emissions to reduce their carbon footprint and biogas production offers a profitable way to achieve those goals.

[1] Outlook for biogas and biomethane: Prospects for organic growth
[2] Landfill Methane: Reducing Emissions, Advancing Recovery and Use Opportunities

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