Biogas is a renewable fuel that has many applications in its raw form and once it has been upgraded to biomethane. For more information on biogas upgrading, see what is biogas upgrading? Biogas as a natural fuel can therefore be used in any way that fuel can be used. Find out how biogas is produced.
Vehicle Fuel
Biogas once upgraded into biomethane is mostly Methane which can be used to fuel natural gas vehicles. Natural gas vehicles produce fewer emissions in comparison to petrol or diesel vehicles and therefore are much more environmentally friendly. One of the key applications for gas vehicles is in the HGV (heavy goods vehicles) market, these vehicles cannot currently be easily transitioned into electric or hydrogen powered vehicles without a major technical innovation. Natural gas offers a much lower emission alternative to what is currently available on the market. The natural gas fueling grid is growing, as the net zero 2050 target is getting closer many HGV companies will be looking at alternatives to the HGV vehicles fuelled by diesel and petrol.
Adding to the Gas Grid
Biomethane can be added back into the current gas distribution networks without any need for changes to the infrastructure. The use of this cleaner gas will help the UK reduce carbon emissions and achieve environmental targets. There is also a benefit for the producers of the gas, adding gas back into the grid provides commercial incentives as the gas is sold and can provide the producers with a profit. When looking to add gas back into the grid producers should speak to one of the four main gas distributors: Northern Gas Networks, National Grid, Wales and West Utilities and SGN.
Burning Biogas to Produce Electricity
Biogas can be burned to produce electricity or heating at the location of production, this use of biogas requires very little cleaning or processing. Using biogas in this way can result in excess heat or electricity which can be difficult to store. Combined heat and power
Biogas can be used for combined heat and power (CHP) operations, or biogas can simply be turned into electricity using a combustion engine, fuel cell, or gas turbine, with the resulting electricity being used on-site or sold onto the electric grid.
