Top 10 Predictions for the Advanced Bioeconomy in 2022

5. RNG: Methane from anything

While we’re on the subject of renewable natural gas , a/k/a RNG, or it’s original form, biogas, let’s consider that the demand for RNG is going to exceed current supply potential, and by an epic amount, and soon. Those Net Zero pledges aren’t necessarily going to be fulfilled by making natural; gas from coal. Yes, there’s carbon capture, but in the case of combusting gas for heat or power, you generate a net CO2 output. So, RNG, baby! Now, where are we going to get it. Think about reducing every waste feedstock and residue in the world to a sort of “oatmeal for methanogens” – spent grains, household waste, sewage sludge. Or, creating syngas (CO and H2) from biomass (such as corn stover), and making methane via methanation. Any way you make it, there’s value in renewable natural gas and there are pipelines to move it.