In this special podcast episode: Greentech Media tours NREL’s new bioreactor that creates renewable methane from microorganisms, hydrogen and CO2. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory and SoCalGas are currently running a new bioreactor that could turn renewable electrons into renewable methane — allowing excess generation to be “stored” in existing natural-gas pipelines. The system relies on an ancient microorganism [found in anaerobic digestion] that ferments hydrogen and carbon dioxide and turns it into methane. By feeding the bugs hydrogen from renewable resources and CO2 from industrial sources, companies like SoCalGas could harness a new supply of renewable natural gas. More >>
