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Methane Gas Alternatives

The methane alternative to natural gas comes in the form of biomethane. Biomethane's properties are chemically identical to those of fossil fuel-derived natural gas. The distinct advantage of biomethane, and benefit to the environment, is that production of the gas is carbon neutral. In the industry it is considered to be a top solution for a greener fuel technology.

Biomethane Producers
- Biomethane comes from landfill operations, waste-water treatment, anaerobic digestion and forestry. Salzburg AG, a company out of Egendorf, Austria, is currently producing cellulosic biomethane fuel. The alternative gas-fill stations enable customers to fill their vehicles with a combination of 80 percent natural gas and 20 percent co2-neutral biomethane gas.
Cellulosic Biomethane
- Cellulosic biomethane is derived from a conversion of meadow grass via fermentation and anaerobic digestion into an alternative fuel and an organic fertilizer. The process is achieved without the limitations of first-generation liquid bio-fuels that use fermented sugars or starches from grains and oil seeds. The initial product of this fermentation is called "biogas." Only until carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfides are scrubbed out of the gas does it become biomethane.
Efficiency of Biomethane
- Compressed biomethane from landfills is considered a "super ultra low carbon fuel" because it generates an 82 percent decrease in carbon emissions. This readily available fuel source has been predicted to immediately replace roughly 30 percent of petroleum transportation fuels used nationwide. Roughly 3,000-5,000 cubic meters of pure methane is produced from 1 acre of grass. This is enough biofuel to power a vehicle for 10,000-15,000 miles.

Nature