In the context of a research project funded by the EU, scientists in Güssing (Austria) were the first to demonstrate a thermochemical conversion of solid biomass into biomethane, synthetic natural gas (SNG) respectively, as a fuel for cars. 

 „The project is of symbolic character for the commercial provision of synthetic biomethane based on solid biomass. We assume this will entail a variety of activities in research & development as well as within the commercial sector and it will contribute to the highly efficient use of biomass for a sustainable provision of energy”, says Michael Seiffert, project manager at the German Biomass Research Center (DBFZ) in Leipzig.

Prospectively, the biomethane made from biogene solids is to be distributed via the existing natural gas supply grid in Europe and will be made available to the potential users in a consumer-oriented way. Then the biomethane can be used easily, unproblematically and comparatively efficient not only in motor vehicles, but also for heat and current production.

Source: Deutsches BiomasseForschungsZentrum

• New ways of producing biofuel