What is biomethane and how can it help S'pore decarbonise?

The renewable fuel can be key in curbing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors

- Chin Hui Shan

Touted as a “renewable fuel”, biomethane is one of the latest low-carbon fuels Singapore is looking into as it seeks to reduce emissions from its power sector.

In October, Singapore announced the establishment of a regulatory sandbox a controlled environment where companies can test innovations under the supervision of a regulator of up to 300MW to catalyse biomethane supply chain development and facilitate adoption by key industry players.

A 300MW capacity can supply the energy needs of around 600,000 HDB households.

The Straits Times explains what biomethane is and its role in energy transition.

WHAT IS BIOMETHANE AND HOW IS IT PRODUCED?

Biomethane is a renewable, low-carbon gas produced from organic materials such as food waste, agricultural waste, animal manure and sewage sludge.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), it is mainly produced by upgrading biogas from organic waste in a process that removes carbon dioxide and other contaminants.

It is chemically identical to fossil-derived methane the main component of natural gas.

HOW IS BIOMETHANE CLEANER AND HOW DOES IT REDUCE EMISSIONS?

Currently, Singapore relies on natural gas a type of fossil fuel for about 95 per cent of its electricity generation. The Republic's power sector contributes 40 per cent of national emissions, as burning natural gas releases planet-warming emissions.

Because biomethane has a composition similar to natural gas, a key advantage is that it can be used within the existing natural gas infrastructure without costly retrofits. By contrast, using hydrogen or ammonia would require upgrades to existing plants.