Difference between LNG and Bio-LNG

Due to the current energy crisis, the term abbreviation LNG to be heard and read in the media again and again. LNG means "liquefied natural gas". It is nothing other than natural gas, which is traditionally obtained from fossil sources and liquefied. Bio-LNG, on the other hand, is processed liquid biogas or pure biomethane (CH4) obtained from renewable sources. Both consist of methane of varying quality.

What is organic LNG made from?

The starting material for biogas is organic waste such as liquid manure, farmyard manure, household and agricultural waste. Fermentation, i.e. the microbial and enzymatic conversion of these substances into gas, produces biogas, which is also commonly known as "green gas".

How is biogas turned into bio-LNG?

The resulting "fermentation gases" are combined either in small local or large centrally operated bio-LNG plants. At an extremely low temperature of approx. -150°C, a colorless and odorless liquid is produced: Bio-LNG. It is now purified by splitting off any CO2 it still contains.

Advantages of Bio-LNG

Using bio-LNG as an energy source offers several advantages. Firstly, it avoids the emission of NH4, N2O (nitrous oxide) and NH3. These are produced when slurry and manure are spread on the fields. Instead, they are collected and fermented. A significant advantage lies in the quality of bio-LNG compared to conventional LNG. 

The combustion of bio-LNG produces significantly less CO2. The values are -80 % compared to -20 % for conventional LNG, and considerably less sulphur and nitrogen oxides are emitted. Particulate matter is also not released. If bio-LNG is used as a fuel, it exhibits significantly better knock resistance (unwanted self-ignition) than LNG or conventional diesel fuel. 

Decarbonization of heavy goods traffic

The higher energy density also leads to lower consumption and a greater range. This is particularly important where large masses have to be transported over long distances, such as in heavy goods traffic on the road and on water. According to the Federal Statistical Office, transport accounts for 26.6 % of CO2 emissions in Germany. Heavy goods traffic accounts for the largest share of this: large tractor units (40-ton trucks) in particular cause 45 % of CO2 emissions. 

The traffic turnaround, which is in full swing in the passenger car sector thanks to electrification, is still a long way off in heavy goods and shipping traffic. The desired decarbonization, i.e. the reduction of CO2, can only be achieved to a limited extent with electric motors. The costs and benefits are currently not economically viable. The turnaround can only be achieved with liquefied natural gas. In addition, there is a considerable handling advantage because the liquid gas (0.2 % of the original volume) can be transported very flexibly.

Bio-LNG at the beginning of its development

Bio-LNG is still at the very beginning of its development. If Germany and, above all, Europe want to achieve their climate targets - climate neutrality by 2050, reduction of CO2 by 55 % - they will not be able to do without Bio-LNG. Bio-LNG is also an essential tool for the necessary energy independence. Future generations will be offered better air quality and an essential industry such as logistics, which is threatened by the energy transition, will be led into a better and more sustainable future.