What Is Biogas?
Biogas itself is gas mixture consisting of approximately 60% methane, and the remainder containers carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, moisture and siloxanes. It contains less methane than natural gas, which consists of approximately 94%.
Biogas is naturally produced and released into the environment by the decomposition of organic matter such as fruit and vegetable waste, animal faeces and dead animals.
Biogas in Australia
On an industrial scale, the world has approximately 12,000 biogas plants, with Germany being the largest user with approximately 8,000.
Australia has enormous potential for biogas, with over 50 small scale plants in operation around the country. None of these are commercialised and purely service on-site energy requirements. For more information about Biogas in Australia, see our other article about Biogas in Australia.
Why Biogas & Why Now?
Why Biogas?- Renewable energy sector has guaranteed legislated growth with no shelf life- Populations grow along with energy consumption and creation of waste (landfill)- No "green gas" actually exists in Australia. Jupiter will be one of few options- Biogas is the only renewable to address landfill and provide safe 24/7 energy (firming power)- Biomethane utilises existing infrastructure. Low cost transition to hydrogen- Biogas production creates high value spin offs such as fertilizer, CO2, carbon credits and heat- Supports regional growth and circular economies, while building grid resilience- Has "battery characteristics". Can be stored, transported and turned on/off instantly Why Now?- First mover advantage secures the best sites, fuel supply, long term contracts, council relationships. - Net zero commitments have been made for 2050 and time is running out- Natural gas supplies run out within 35 years - Global instability demands local resilient and sovereign supply of energy- Energy prices are soaring- The technology, demand and scale now exist
