Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Why is it important to capture methane gas?

Biogas is a gaseous fuel high in calorific value (CV), 20MJ/m3. Its energy potential is huge although not as good as natural gas (38MJ/m3) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas or LPG, (100MJ/m3). The energy released makes biogas perfect for use as a fuel in a gas engine to convert the energy in the gas into electricity and heat.

Methane in the biogas emitted into atmosphere is a greenhouse gas (GHG) and is 25 times more potent than CO2 in its global warming potential (IPCC 2007). Methane together with CO2, water vapour and nitrogen oxides contribute towards climate change by containing the heat within the globe's atmosphere, causing temperature to rise and forming a blanket to prevent heat radiation from the earth at night. As a result, biogas causes detrimental effects to the environment.

With biogas capture, the GHG can greatly be reduced and the biogas can be used as renewable energy to replace fossil fuel for steam or electricity generation. The excess electricity generated can also be supplied to the national grid through a proper mechanism allowed by the government.

Source  :  DOSH-Malaysia

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