Bio-Methane is simply methane generated from organic wastes {in an oxygen starved environment}. Methane capture from coal mines, and methane from other sources {such as tapping into waste-dumps} is a welcome strategy to utilise the enormous amount of waste, we produce. Estimated at 105bn tonnes globally by the World Bio-Gas Association {see article re -methane here on new tab - close to return here}.
However, it is perfectly OK to use methane from oil/gas exploration too - and with the UK's highly extensive gas grid, its all carried together to provide primary energy. Energy that is easily stored. Unlike that secondary energy source - electricity - which we will discuss further later.
But CHP? Combined Heat AND Power {and sometimes cooling}
We have tried to introduce CHP previously, as an important and strategic alternative to Centralised Electricity Generation. There are major disadvantages with centralised generation;
- Inefficiency discussed previously here {click} and again here {click} and cooling towers explained here {click}
- Instability
- Storage Problems
- Supply to Match Demand Problems Nationally
Bio-Methane is then injected into the UK's Extensive Gas Grid
The UK Gas Grid has been developed over many decades and is extensive, with nearly every house, factory and business in the UK having a gas connection. Readers may realise that historically the UK used to generate "Town Gas" from Coal locally - most towns had a gasification plant. However this was not ideal due to practical considerations - especially when plentiful North Sea Gas {mostly methane {CH4}} was discovered in the 1970's. Thereafter the UK "Converted" to natural gas {due to its differing heat value/calorific value} - but this has now been well established as "The Gas Supply".
Bio-methane from the sources above is very similar {chemically} to methane {CH4} therefore it can 'co-exist' within the Gas Network and can be drawn-out anywhere in the UK - certified as "Bio-Methane" - BIO-METHANE is considered to be "Carbon-Negative" ( if we show servile deference to the 'Carbon Dioxide disinformation agenda' as dictated by the IPCC/NetZero/Climate Alarmists etc. However from a pure efficiency standpoint utilising wastes to generate a 'viable/useful fuel' would appear to be a logical and sensible step to take.
Using Methane and Bio-Methane Locally for CHP and Heat Networks
The problems associated with Centralised Electricity Generation as Outlined above can be countered by generating Electricity "Locally" - called "Embedded Energy/Power/Electricity" this has tremendous potential to:
- Stabilise the Power grid Locally
- Offer Energy Security Locally
- Significant increases in fuel efficiency {when coupled to a Heat Network}
Combined Heat and Power {and Sometimes Cooling Networks} allow for the inefficiencies of Centralised generation to be off-set. Generation of Electricity via Engines or Steam Turbines produces considerable amounts of HEAT. With Centralised Power this Heat is dissipated to the Atmosphere by the Cooling Towers {here {click}} and/or via Rivers/Sea Water Connections. This is where the inefficiencies stem and what make 'Local Power Generation' so much more attractive.
The waste heat in a CHP system is still produced, but critically, it is used to energise a Heat Network [and via additional infrastructure - a parallel Cooling {chilled water} Network]. This will radically improve overall energy efficiency - as the Methane/Bio-Methane {or any source fuel} is now generating both ELECTRICITY and HEAT {district Heating or Heat Network are the terms now used}.
However the installation of the Heat {or Cooling} Network will very often entail significant disruption. Digging up roads etc to lay highly insulated distribution pipework - as photo,
Ideally however during new large scale developments - this needs to be fully considered - so that energy efficiency factors can be designed into the project and the attendant long term running costs.