Exploring Biomethane Uses

Europe has been on a mission for a greener future for quite a while, striving to reduce carbon emission levels while retaining energy efficiency and security at the account of alternative fuels. Biomethane steps in as a crucial player in this transformation.

What makes biomethane a powerful tool in the fight against climate change is its cleaner production process, capturing methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Besides, unlike fossil fuels, biomethane is considered carbon-neutral. The CO₂ it emits when burned is roughly equal to what was absorbed by the organic matter during its lifetime.

Biomethane also stands out as a stable energy source that can be used when other renewables, such as solar and wind energy, are unavailable, ensuring a consistent and reliable energy supply. It can be injected into the existing gas grid or stored for later use, eliminating the need for costly investments in new pipelines. Meanwhile, advancements in production technologies and gas supply equipment make the cost of biomethane even more competitive, encouraging its production, integration, and application in Europe.

As a key player in the global biogas and biomethane market, Europe keeps growing the production of this eco-friendly gas to enhance energy independence, reduce reliance on imported natural gas, and strengthen local economies. Using this homegrown solution, EU countries can create a decentralized energy system that is more resilient to external disruptions. By 2050, biogas and biomethane production are expected to cover up to 62% of the gas demand in the EU sector.

Transport accounts for nearly one-quarter of global CO₂ emissions, so it’s no wonder one of the prime biomethane uses falls within this industry. How does biomethane work in such cases? Biomethane can be used as a fuel in the form of compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) for light-duty vehicles, buses, delivery vans, and heavy-duty transport.

While motor cars increasingly switch to electricity, biomethane is increasingly adopted by public transport, heavy trucking, taxis, and ride-sharing services to reduce air pollution. Likewise, it’s a viable and efficient option in sectors where electricity is not available, such as ferries and cargo ships striving to comply with strict maritime emissions regulations.

The notion of a circular economy revolves around the idea that nothing goes to waste, and biomethane perfectly fits into this concept, turning organic waste into a powerful clean fuel. Biomethane is produced through anaerobic digestion where bacteria break down organic matter in an oxygen-free environment. In cities, food waste and sewage sludge can be used as raw materials for this process, while in rural areas, crop leftovers, manure, and straw can be converted into energy. So, instead of letting waste rot in landfills and releasing harmful methane, biomethane production allows capturing, refining, and using it just like conventional natural gas, except without the fossil fuel footprint.

The process of anaerobic digestion results in biogas further purified to biomethane and nutrient-rich digestate further used as a fertilizer in agriculture. However, along with high-quality methane, biogas upgrading leaves behind a by-product. It’s CO₂ that might be traditionally released into the air, yet it’s repurposed instead to complete a short carbon cycle, keeping emissions in balance. The captured CO₂ can be used in:

• greenhouses to increase crop yields and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers.

• food and beverage industry to carbonate drinks.

• synthetic fuel production when combined with green hydrogen.

• refrigeration systems, fire extinguishers, and concrete production.

Completing the carbon cycle means we are not adding more CO₂ to the atmosphere, we are recycling it within natural and industrial systems.

What is biomethane used for? As we’ve already mentioned, biomethane applications are diverse and are not limited solely to the transportation sector. This energy-dense renewable fuel has also found use in:

• steel, glass, ceramics, and cement industries for powering boilers and furnaces.

• chemical and pharmaceutical industries as a raw material for chemical synthesis and low-carbon hydrogen production.

• power generation to produce electricity for factories and industrial sites, heat for district heating systems, and backup power for critical operations.

• food and beverage industries for heat, steam, and refrigeration, as well as for pasteurization, distillation, and brewing.

Before biomethane can power homes, industries, and vehicles, it needs to be safely stored and transported. Depending on the intended use, there are two storage options:

• High-pressure storage: Biomethane is dried and further compressed to 200-250 bar to be stored as CNG in cylinders and underground facilities.

• Cryogenic storage: Purified biomethane is cooled to -162°C (-259°F), at which point it turns into a clear, odorless liquid stored in insulated cryogenic tanks to keep it cold and stable. Liquefied biomethane takes up 600 times less space than gas form.

Now that you know the different uses of biomethane across industries, you might want to consider it as an alternative or complementary energy source for your business. At I-Maximum, we know how to help you get the most out of this fuel to maximize the energy efficiency of your enterprise while maintaining sustainability efforts. We design, engineer, install, and maintain full-scale energy projects with advanced biomethane gas blending systems at the core tailored to your business needs and meant to provide optimal heating value for minimizing costs and increasing ROI. Let’s make green fuel work for your business — contact us today!

Instead of seeing waste as a problem, biomethane transforms it into an opportunity. As governments and businesses invest in renewable energy solutions, this gas is set to become a key player in the global energy transition, reshaping the energy landscape for commercial, industrial, and private users.