First-ever large-scale methane capture device installed at biogas facility by Bluemethane
In the ongoing quest for environmental sustainability, a UK startup named Bluemethane is making waves with its innovative methane-capture technology. The company, co-founded by Louise Parlons Bentata and engineer Nestor Rueda-Vallejo in 2021, is focused on capturing methane from water and waste streams [9].
Bluemethane's services hold great potential for big brands in the dairy industry, helping them reduce emissions in their milk production and decarbonize their supply chain [1]. For dairy farmers with anaerobic digestors on site, Bluemethane's services can be part of an insetting model.
The startup's methane-capture unit, which fits inside a 20-foot container, captures residual methane in digestate or post-treatment biogas streams using physical separation technology [2]. This technology enables the recovery of methane that would otherwise be lost as emissions, contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and aligning with environmental sustainability goals [3].
By capturing methane that would typically escape, Bluemethane's unit maximizes the utilization of renewable energy resources produced onsite at biogas and water treatment facilities, helping these operations reduce their dependency on fossil fuels and decrease their carbon footprint [1].
The captured methane is measured, removed, and burned within a couple of days, ensuring full traceability [4]. This process speeds up the process of methane separation driven by gravity [5]. The captured methane can increase biogas production, improve operational efficiency, and generate carbon avoidance credits [1].
Bluemethane is currently working on a project with four UK water companies for methanogen deactivation to prevent downstream scope three emissions [6]. The unit will help Anglian Water comply with environmental regulations that set strict rules on pollution from large industrial installations, including wastewater treatment plants [7].
The captured methane can be sold as renewable fuel, either for onsite use or external sale, turning waste gas into a valuable energy commodity [1]. Operators may also benefit financially from carbon credit programs or incentives available in various jurisdictions, including the U.S. and Canada [1][3].
Partnerships with companies like ReGenEarth indicate possibilities for integrated business models where methane capture is combined with other biogas upgrading or environmental services, potentially creating diversified income sources related to biogas management [3].
Improved measurement capability will be crucial for optimizing Bluemethane's technology and providing customers with effective methane management and reporting [8]. Bluemethane is working on developing a first-of-its-kind methane measuring system, supported by a DEFRA grant [6]. The initial results of the methane measurement system are promising.
Bluemethane represents a challenge for investors due to the newness of methane capture from liquids. However, the potential environmental benefits, energy sustainability, and commercial opportunities make it an attractive solution for biogas and water treatment sites aiming to enhance both sustainability and profitability [1][3]. Furthermore, Bluemethane can be the most cost-effective way for water companies to achieve compliance with environmental regulations.
- Bluemethane's innovative methane-capture technology, driven by physical separation, aligns with environmental sustainability goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- The startup's services, particularly beneficial for the dairy industry, help brands decrease emissions in milk production and decarbonize their supply chain.
- The captured methane can be monetized as a renewable fuel, with potential financial benefits from carbon credit programs in various jurisdictions.
- By maximizing the utilization of onsite renewable energy resources, Bluemethane's technology helps biogas and water treatment facilities decrease their dependency on fossil fuels and carbon footprint.
- Partnerships with companies like ReGenEarth open possibilities for integrated business models, where methane capture is combined with other biogas upgrading or environmental services.
- To optimize its technology and enhance customer methane management, Bluemethane is developing a first-of-its-kind methane measuring system, backed by a DEFRA grant.
