Bio-Methane for CHP
- Details
- Written by: J C Burke
- Category: Utilities
- Hits: 2816
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 for CHP Heat Networks
- Details
- Written by: J C Burke
- Category: Heat Networks
- Hits: 4814
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
Geothermal Congress 2025
- Details
- Written by: J C Burke
- Category: Geo-Thermal
- Hits: 2765
European Geothermal Congress {EGC 2025} is calling for abstracts that explore all aspects of geothermal energy use: power generation, heating and cooling supply, underground thermal storage, and mineral extraction. We are interested in both technological and socio-economic aspects.
The programme is divided into four thematic streams, each designed to cover specific aspects of geothermal energy.
Why submit an abstract?
- International Visibility: Present your work to a diverse audience and gain recognition in the geothermal community.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with experts, researchers, and professionals from around the world.
- Make an Impact: Contribute to the advancement and promotion of geothermal energy as a sustainable solution.
Conference Streams
- Research and Development (TRL: 1-5)
- Technology and Innovation (TRL: 6-9)
- Geothermal Solutions for Energy System Integration
- Financing, Regulations, Policy, Communications, and Market
Submission Deadline: 15 October 2024
Methane Reduction Strategies
- Details
- Written by: J C Burke
- Category: Waste & Recycling
- Hits: 3441
Methane Emissions Management will be far more beneficial than trying to reduce CO2
Well, let's look at the evidence:
"With the 2030 deadline to achieve the Global Methane Pledge to cut methane levels by at least 30% from 2020 levels, signed by 155 countries, now just over 5.5 years away, we need to urgently accelerate the expansion of biogas globally."
"Treating and recycling the 105bn tonnes of organic wastes generated by humans every year, of which 98% remain untreated and emitting methane as they break down, can deliver 50% of the Global Methane Pledge; sufficient green gas to replace one third of today’s fossil gas consumption; replace 105bn tonnes of inorganic fertiliser; provide sufficient nutrient to fertilise 700 million hectares of arable land and create 10-15 million jobs worldwide."
World Biogas Association {WBA} and supported in the UK by The Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association {ADBA}
However the WBA's assertion will not include the other global sources of methane, and here we have a problem. So many claims of the "damage" but no real independent total of this hydro-carbon's presence globally. Indeed the theory of Abiotic Generation would seem to fit the evidence of large scale hydrocarbons in our solar system.
So where else is methane coming from on Earth?
Coal Mine Methane Emissions
DrivingDownCoalMineMethaneEmissions.pdf
Vulcanism
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/
volcanism million of years ago methane thoughts
Methane Hydrates
Oil and Gas Industry
- Leakage and Failures
- scientists-detect-record-breaking-methane-leak-in-kazakhstan-the-largest-ever-documented
- We can say that there are others in this industry sector
- Natural Sedimentary Basins
- Darvaza Gas Crater
- Can we presume there are others?
Clearly these volumes of methane are astronomical! But no amount of 'government pledges' are going to control most of these naturally occurring 'contributions'! Indeed we should argue that the oil and gas industry needs to 'up their game' and control much more methane than they have done! To put methane to use within the realms of ENERGY PRODUCTION and TRANSPORT Fuels would seem to be a wise move(??).
UPDATE 11th August 2024: However, it has been shown recently that there are Methane 'Sinks'; Methane consuming bacteria has been found within tree bark! All the more reason for re-forestation. by Luke C. Jeffrey, Damien T. Maher, Eleonora Chiri, Pok Man Leung, Philipp A. Nauer, Stefan K. Arndt, Douglas R. Tait, Chris Greening & Scott G. Johnston
"".......Finally, field-based methane oxidation inhibition experiments demonstrate that bark-dwelling MOB [methane-oxidising bacteria] reduce methane emissions by 36 ± 5 %. These multiple complementary lines of evidence indicate that bark-dwelling MOB represent a potentially significant methane sink, and an important frontier for further research.""
Reaserch article citation here at this link {on a new tab}
View, read or Download summary research at this link {See Research Here - again in a new tab}
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