Biogas is a renewable natural gas, which starts as organic matter like agricultural crops, forestry waste, and animal manure. After being processed to remove impurities, biogas — which is sometimes referred to as biomethane — has the same properties as natural gas and can be used for heating, generating electricity, and even transportation.
In other words, biogas could be another approach to clean energy — and is making strides worldwide.
Six Japanese companies recently announced their efforts to take this manure-fueled technology to the high seas.
Shipping company Mitsui OSK Lines will partner with dairy company Takanashi Milk Products to test the feasibility of using locally sourced biogas, as Japan aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Their joint study will also include Hamanaka Town, JA Hamanaka, Hokkaido Gas Co, and MOL Sunflower.
A press release from MOL noted that liquified natural gas is already being used as a low-carbon fuel alternative in factories and vessels, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 40%, compared to conventional methods. But biogas is known to emit even less carbon than standard LNG, especially when sourced from organic waste.
That said, biogas is not always a cleaner solution, with its environmental impacts heavily depending on where it is sourced. For instance, biogas from organic waste can be a less carbon-intensive fuel, but some gas companies create biomethane from fossil sources, which is well-documented as harmful to the environment.
It’s also important to note that agribusiness practices have a reputation for creating their own high levels of emissions, or exposing the environment to other air pollutants in the production of biogas.
Thus, testing the feasibility and sustainability of these solutions is a vital first step in potentially implementing them.
“In this study, the six organizations will evaluate the feasibility of using all or part of the biomethane produced in Hamanaka Town to fuel factories and vessels,” the press release continued.
This project will focus on the production of biogas sourced from local dairy farms in Hamanaka Town (yes, using cow dung). From there, experts will examine how well biogas can translate into existing infrastructure and test its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at sea.
Other Japanese companies — Mitsui & Co and Tokyo Gas, have taken similar steps to integrate biogas into their operations, by bringing biomethane from the U.S. to Japanese waters. But this new coalition aims to produce their biogas locally, which could also lead to better management of organic waste in Japan, reducing landfill waste and other environmental hazards.
According to MOL, the transition promises to be a smooth one.
“Biomethane is an effective energy source for the ultimate goal of decarbonization because it can be used in current infrastructure for transport and consumption,” the company’s press release said.
This seems to be true across a number of countries, as the maritime industry slowly but surely makes the switch to clean energy.
In 2021, France emerged as a leader in biomethane shipping when CMA CGM launched a fleet of biogas-powered ships, “aiming to cut CO2 emissions by 67%.”
Earlier this month, the port of Rotterdam also opened a biogas terminal, which will be injected into the Dutch national gas grid or stored for future use.
Beyond meeting global emission-reduction goals, the companies involved in this initial testing also have their own sustainability interests.
For instance, MOL Sunflower will expand its ferry services with two liquified natural gas vessels by 2025, but with expanded knowledge of biomethane production, could be looking at an even better fuel alternative in the future.
“The six organizations participating in the collaboration will bring their respective knowledge and experience to this study,” MOL’s press release said, “... leading to major progress toward the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.”
Header images courtesy of Carina Chowanek/Pexels and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
