What are Biomethane & Natural Gas?
Biomethane & Natural Gas
What is Natural Gas?
Natural gas is a fossil gas extracted from underground geological formations. It is mainly composed of methane (CH4) and is naturally colourless and odourless. For decades, it has been used across multiple applications, including:
- Residential uses, such as cooking and heating.
- Industrial processes.
- Electricity production in gas-fired power plants.
- Transport, as a fuel for vehicles in the form of CNG or LNG.
What is Biomethane?
Biomethane is the renewable, non fossil equivalent of natural gas. It is produced by fermenting organic material, such as agricultural residues, food waste, or sewage sludge, into biogas through anaerobic digestion (a process without oxygen). Biogas consists mainly of methane (CH₄), but also contains other gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen sulphide. Before injection into the gas network, biogas must be upgraded to biomethane by removing CO₂ and trace impurities so that it meets gas grid quality requirements equivalent to natural gas.
Because biomethane has the same characteristics as natural gas, it can be used for the same applications, including transport and small-scale industrial use.
Why Biomethane & Natural Gas in Transport?
Biomethane and natural gas can be used as vehicle fuels and are available in two forms: CNG and LNG.
How does refueling work for (bio)CNG & (bio)LNG?
(bio)CNG vehicles are refueled using a secure nozzle system that is similar in use and duration to conventional fuel, making the process familiar and easy for drivers.
Where can you refuel (bio)CNG or (bio)LNG at TotalEnergies?
You can refuel (bio)CNG and (bio)LNG at a network of public stations operated by TotalEnergies and its partners.