Bio-CNG and Bio-LNG: Sustainable alternatives for heavy goods transport
The search for more climate-friendly fuels is gaining momentum - especially in freight transport. Bio-CNG and bio-LNG are two promising options. Both are based on biomethane (bio natural gas) and are considered more sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. But what exactly is behind them? How are they produced? And what are the advantages?
What are bio-CNG and bio-LNG?
Both Bio-CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and Bio-LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) are processed forms of biogas obtained from biological waste such as agricultural residues, organic waste and sewage sludge. The difference lies in the aggregate state:
- Bio-CNG is compressed biogas, compressed to 200 to 250 bar - ideal for cars and municipal vehicles.
- Bio-LNG is liquefied biogas that is deep-frozen at around -162 °C - particularly suitable for trucks that require a long range.
- Both fuels are chemically identical to their fossil counterparts and can therefore be used in existing CNG and LNG vehicles without any problems - without technical conversion.
How is biogas produced as a fuel?
The production process is a good example of a functioning circular economy:
- Raw material extraction: Organic waste from agriculture, industry or wastewater management is collected.
- Fermentation: In biogas plants, microorganisms convert the waste into biogas.
- Processing: The raw biogas is upgraded to high-purity biomethane (bio natural gas).
- Further processing: Bio-CNG is produced through compression and: Bio-LNG is produced through liquefaction (cooling + compression).
For the production of bio-CNG and bio-LNG, only organic material is used that is produced as a by-product anyway - for example from agriculture, waste or industry. This means that no additional arable land is required.
Special features compared to fossil CNG and LNG
The biggest difference lies in the origin: while fossil CNG and LNG come from natural gas sources, Bio-CNG / Bio-LNG is obtained from renewable raw materials. This is also noticeable in terms of emissions:
- Up to 90% less CO₂e emissions with 100% Bio-CNG compared to fossil CNG.
- Up to 87% less CO₂e emissions with 100% organic LNG compared to fossil LNG.
- Reduction of methane emissions in agriculture through utilization of residues & manure.
- Independence from the fossil natural gas price - more price stability.
- Good storage and transportation capability via existing natural gas infrastructure.
The potential of biofuels is particularly evident in heavy goods traffic. A truck refueled with bio-LNG can cover distances of up to 1,700 kilometers - comparable to a diesel truck. Refueling is just as quick as with conventional fuels.
Suitable machines are also already available in the agricultural sector, such as methane gas tractors from New Holland.
Biofuels with a future
The switch to bio-CNG or bio-LNG is no longer a vision of the future - there is already a comprehensive filling station network throughout Western Europe with more than 2,000 bio-CNG filling stations and more than 200 bio-LNG stations - and the trend is rising.
Bio-CNG and bio-LNG offer a concrete, practical solution for lower-emission passenger and freight transportation. The technologies are available, the infrastructure is growing and the advantages are obvious - both ecologically and economically. Anyone who opts for biofuels today is investing in more sustainable logistics with future prospects.