Green gas: What is it and what role does it play in the energy transition?
What is green gas?
Green gas is made from biogas. Biogas is created when organic material rots without oxygen. This happens, for example, with:
- organic (food and garden) waste
- animal manure
- sewage sludge
The biogas is then cleaned and processed. The end product is green gas. This gas closely resembles natural gas and can be used in the same way.
What can you use green gas for?
Because green gas is almost the same as natural gas, you can use it for:
- heating homes
- processes in industry
- generating electricity
Green gas can also be transported through the existing gas grid. This means no completely new network is needed.
What is the difference from natural gas?
The difference between green gas and natural gas lies mainly in the source:
- Natural gas - comes from the ground and is fossil
- Green gas - is sustainable and comes from renewable residual flows
Green gas does not run out and causes less CO₂ emissions. That is why it is a sustainable gas and plays a role in the energy transition.
Why is green gas important?
Renewable energy from sun and wind is not always available. Sometimes there is little sun or wind, while a lot of energy is needed. Some applications are also difficult to make fully electric.
Green gas can then help by:
- supplying energy when there is little sun or wind. This can be in the form of electricity or as a gas that provides heat through combustion
- supporting sectors where electricity is not always suitable
- storing energy for later use
This way, green gas helps to keep the energy system in balance.
Conclusion
Green gas is a sustainable gas and an alternative to natural gas. It is made from residual flows and can be used via the existing gas grid. In the energy transition, green gas helps to keep energy reliable, affordable and sustainable. In Powerplay you learn why sustainable gases are important for the entire energy system.