Biogas

What is biogas?

Biogas also known as Liquid Biomethane (LBM) is a renewable alternative fuel which is produced by breaking down organic matter by a process of microbiological activity. Basically this means that rotting municipal waste, food waste or sewage (both human and animal) is turned into gas by means of "anaerobic conversion" in a digester. Organic matter such as switchgrass can be grown specifically for biogas production.

The process of anaerobic conversion occurs naturally at the bottom of ponds and gives rise to marsh gas (or methane).

Methane is the main component of biogas, which is then processed to the same specification as natural gas and fed into the piped network (like green electricity is co-distributed), or is stored as a compressed gas for road vehicles.

What are the environmental benefits of biogas?

Recent commercial vehicle trials have suggested a C02 saving in excess of 60 per cent compared with an equivalent diesel vehicle. Nitrous oxide emissions are lower and there are no particulate emissions.

There is a further benefit in that the organic waste that is converted into gas would normally be responsible for releasing methane into the atmosphere.

Where can I refuel on biogas?

Supply for road transport use is limited to a small number of trials; there are no public refuelling outlets.