Biomethane
Methane-rich gas made by upgrading biogas to remove CO₂ and other unwanted components.
Example
It can meet specifications for certain gas networks or vehicle uses.
The catch
Upgrading losses and the source material affect its climate performance.
Related terms
Biogas, Methane, Anaerobic decomposition, Anaerobic digestion, Composting, Destruction efficiency
In more depth
Biomethane, explained.
Biomethane is chemically almost identical to the fossil natural gas it replaces, so it can flow through existing pipes and burn in existing boilers and engines. In North America it is often sold as renewable natural gas. That compatibility makes it useful for heat and transport that are hard to electrify, though sustainable feedstock is limited, so supply is small next to today's fossil gas use.
Gas in the grid is physically mixed, so a customer buying biomethane usually buys certificates that track its production, such as guarantees of origin in the EU. Check that each certificate is cancelled once, for one claim, to avoid double counting. And once it is in the pipes, a biomethane leak warms the climate much like a leak of fossil methane.