Biogas

What is Biogas?

Biogas 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 is what occurs naturally at the bottom of ponds and gives rise to marsh gas (or methane).

Methane is the main component of natural gas. Biogas is then processed to the same specifications as natural gas and fed into the piped network (like green electricity is co-distributed).

What are the environmental benefits of biogas?

It is generally accepted that Biogas gives an average of 95% carbon dioxide reduction (well to wheel) in comparison to diesel, as well as 80% lower nitrous oxide emissions. Plus, it also has zero particulate emissions.

Some people even argue that biogas actually reduces carbon emissions by more than 100 per cent. This is because the organic waste that is converted into gas would normally be responsible for putting methane into the atmosphere. Production of biogas therefore actually lowers the need for landfill and allows gas capture at sewage works.

There is enough biogas available to fuel half the HGV fleet in the UK.

How much does it cost to buy and maintain a biogas vehicle?

The initial outlay for a biogas vehicle is more than with a conventionally fuelled vehicle. For example, new biogas heavy goods vehicles are around £25,000 to £35,000 more expensive, whilst new biogas vans cost approximately £4,000 more.

However, in terms of fuel costs alone, the running costs for biogas vehicles can be relatively low.

Where can I refuel on biogas?

Currently, there is a limited supply of biogas available in this country. However, several refuelling stations linked to the HGV industry are planned for the next 5 years. Our refuelling map will keep you up to date with all the latest information.

Is biogas technology currently in use anywhere?

Sweden has the largest fleet of biogas-fuelled vehicles in the world, with around 7,000 vehicles in the country and plans to increase this number to 80,000 by 2010.

Technical details for Biogas:

• Manufacture - Made from either rotting municipal waste, food waste or from sewage (human or animal). A digester controls the anaerobic conversion. The product is then dried and adjusted for calorific value before being introduced into the Natural Gas Pipeline.
• Specification - Made to the specification of 'mains' gas.
• Taxes - Biogas is taxed at 9p/kg (effectively 4.5p/l on a diesel litre equivalency basis) for use as a transport fuel.
• Availability - It will become increasingly available over the next 5 years through refuelling stations linked to the HGV industry.
• Environment - It's generally accepted that biogas gives an average 95 per cent carbon dioxide reduction (well to wheel) in comparison to diesel whilst also delivering 80 per cent lower NO₂ emissions and zero particulate emissions. It can also be argued that the use of biogas creates a carbon reduction of greater than 100% as the organic matter would have naturally put methane, a greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. Instead the methane is converted into carbon dioxide when burnt in the engine. Thus, developing this fuel would also provide environmental benefits by lowering the need for landfill and allowing gas capture at sewage works.