September 3, 2020

Biogas glossary: What’s what in the biogas sector

In June we published an article about the biogas plant that is under construction at Nymölla paper mill in Sweden. A joint effort by Stora Enso and Gasum to turn residue from our production of Multicopy into renewable fuel – LBG. But what is biogas and what does the different abbreviations stand for? Here’s a brief what’s what.

• Biogas
A type of biofuel that is naturally produced from the decomposition of organic waste, typically from the food industry and agriculture, but now also from paper production.

• Anaerobic digestion
The process of making organic matter break down in an environment absent of oxygen (=anaerobic) is also known as anaerobic digestion.

• LBG – Liquefied Biogas
The type of gas that will be produced in the plant at Nymölla Mill. Biogas is transformed into liquid by being cooled down to -160°C°.

• Environmental benefits
Switching fuels in the heavy-duty vehicles segment, from diesel to liquefied biogas (LBG) or natural gas (LNG), will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%. And also have a significant impact on reducing levels of particulates and noise.


Other terms that are good to know:

• Natural gas
Natural gas is sourced from natural gas and oil deposits as well as shale rock found deep in the earth’s crust in terrestrial and maritime areas.

• LNG – Liquefied Natural Gas
A clear, colorless, non-toxic liquid that forms when natural gas is cooled down. LNG offers a cleaner alternative for maritime and road transport, as well as industries.

• CNG – Compressed Natural Gas
Made by compressing natural gas down to less than 1% of its volume. It can be used in place of gasoline and diesel fuel in cars and commercial vehicles.

• CBG – Compressed Biogas
Biogas can be compressed after removal of Carbon dioxide, the same way as natural gas is compressed to CNG, and used to power motor vehicles.

• Circular Economy
A circular economy is an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources.


Learn more about biogas at Gasum.com