The Role of Biomethane in Reaching Net Carbon Zero

Biomethane, methane produced from organic waste residues through the actions of mixed microbial communities, can be used as a net zero replacement for natural gas and have a direct environmental impact through the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and therefore global warming. Biomethane offers a viable alternative to liquid transport fuels and could be used as a chemical precursor for carbon-containing materials such as plastics or fixed into sequestering materials for carbon capture. Here, improvements, challenges and the potential of this technology are considered and how biomethane can take a pivotal role in reaching net zero carbon emissions is discussed.