Renewable Gas: Creating energy from wastewater
Here we look at the practical application of biomethane production from wastewater, happening right here in New South Wales. Biomethane is a CER-certified, carbon neutral, natural gas substitute derived from the decomposition of organic matter, including waste from agriculture, food processing and manufacturing, and wastewater. This waste-to-energy approach will contribute to a more sustainable circular economy by capturing gas from decomposing waste that would otherwise end up in the atmosphere.
Biomethane: Boosting the Circular Economy
Biomethane is an example of waste recovery and reuse in the circular economy. It is created by capturing biogas from decomposing agricultural, organic, and domestic waste, and removing the carbon dioxide. Biomethane can displace natural gas sourced from fossil fuels and help prevent 'waste methane' from reaching the atmosphere. The waste methane that would have been released into the atmosphere can then be used for energy instead.
Biomethane is being produced and injected into many European gas networks, including in France, UK, Italy and Germany. In Denmark biomethane now makes up around 40% of their network gas, and Energinet of Denmark estimate they will reach 100% biomethane by 2030-2034.
Both green hydrogen and biomethane can be stored in existing underground gas pipes and can be blended with existing natural gas.
Renewable Hydrogen
Renewable hydrogen is made when renewable electricity, or certified renewable electricity, is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen through a process called 'electrolysis'. This process doesn’t involve any carbon emissions. Renewable hydrogen can be injected, stored or used within existing natural gas networks, with hydrogen blends in some Australian networks currently up to 10%.
Renewable hydrogen is being used overseas for residential, commercial and industrial purposes, and it is also being used to power fuel-cell cars, buses and heavy goods vehicles, with increased range, power and zero emissions.