Enhanced Renewable Methane Production System Benefits Wastewater Treatment Plants, Farms, and Landfills

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a low-cost process that accelerates biological methane production rates at least fivefold — the Enhanced Renewable Methane Production System. The system could enhance biological methane production at wastewater treatment plants, farms, and landfills.  This system addresses one of the largest barriers to the expansion of renewable methane — the naturally slow rate of production. To overcome this challenge, Argonne researchers examined the natural biology of methane production, the natural processes for carbon dioxide sequestration, and the environmental quality of the water found in coal bed methane wells. Their research led to the novel, low-cost treatment to accelerate biological methane production while sequestering CO₂.  The treatment enhances the heating value of biogas, delivering a gas that is close to pipeline quality. In addition, the renewable methane process leaves coal's environmental pollutants, such as sulfur and mercury, in the ground, avoiding their emissions.