Biogas Upgrading into Renewable Natural Gas: Part I—An Assessment of Available Technologies

José Ramón Laines Canepa, Blake Foret, Gabriel Núñez-Nogueira, Stephen Dufreche, Rafael Hernandez, Daniel Gang, Wayne Sharp, Emmanuel Revellame, Dhan Lord B. Fortela, Sarah Simoneaux, Hayden Hulin, William E. Holmes and Mark E. Zappi ()
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José Ramón Laines Canepa: Department of Environmental Engineering, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa 86039, Tabasco, Mexico
Blake Foret: Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
Gabriel Núñez-Nogueira: Department of Biology, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa 86039, Tabasco, Mexico
Stephen Dufreche: Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
Rafael Hernandez: Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
Daniel Gang: Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
Wayne Sharp: Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
Emmanuel Revellame: Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
Dhan Lord B. Fortela: Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
Sarah Simoneaux: Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
Hayden Hulin: Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
William E. Holmes: Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
Mark E. Zappi: Energy Institute of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-27

Abstract: Energy security is a growing societal and industrial concern that leads research and development toward more sustainable options. Biogas, a bio-alternative to conventional fuels, is a product generated from the anaerobic digestion of organic matter. This source of fuel production is more environmentally friendly compared to traditional fossil fuels, leading to a lower carbon footprint, higher air quality, and the promotion of a circular economy. Impurities of raw biogas, such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and other trace contaminants, make biogas conditioning necessary for most applications. In addition, biogas upgrading, technologies furthering biogas purity, is an important factor in the production of biomethane, a sustainable biofuel known more commonly as renewable natural gas (RNG). Diversifying fuel sources and providing energy sustainability while mitigating negative environmental effects makes RNG an attractive alternative to conventional natural gas. This document, Part I, provides an overview of current technologies related to biogas conditioning, such as sorption, oxidation, and biological treatments aimed at the removal of a wide variety of contaminants. Processes developed for biogas upgrading are also discussed, including physical/chemical absorption, pressure swing adsorption, and membrane separation. The focus of upgrading applies approaches in meeting a higher quality biofuel by further carbon dioxide exclusion to ease pipeline transport and increase combustion efficiency. These technologies present the core foundation of processes in the production of RNG; however, all face inherent challenges that deem further research and development a requirement for global adoption. The biggest challenges are either in the cost of reaching higher purities or the inability to do so without other operations. Thus, in conjunction with this document, emerging and developing technologies are provided in a separate analysis deemed Part II. Together, these documents offer a comprehensive understanding of current practices and growing technological developments.

Keywords: renewable natural gas; adsorption gas conditioning; chemical gas conditioning; membrane gas conditioning; biogas (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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