As the world shifts toward cleaner and smarter energy systems, the conversation is increasingly turning to alternatives to fossil fuels. One of the most promising options is biomethane - a renewable gas that burns cleanly and can help reduce carbon emissions in heating, transport, and industrial applications.
But what exactly is biomethane? And how does it compare to traditional natural gas, which continues to power homes, businesses, and power plants across the globe?
To understand the difference, we first need to look at how biomethane is produced — a process that is gaining attention worldwide.
Biomethane and Biogas: Turning Organic Waste Into Clean Energy
Biomethane is derived from biogas, which is produced by the breakdown of organic materials such as food waste, agricultural residues, animal manure, and sewage sludge. This happens through anaerobic digestion, a natural process where microorganisms decompose organic matter in the absence of oxygen.
The resulting biogas is a mixture of methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), along with small amounts of other gases.
To become biomethane, this raw biogas undergoes purification — typically by removing CO₂, water vapor, and trace contaminants. This upgrading process results in a high-purity methane gas that closely resembles fossil-based natural gas in both composition and performance. The upgraded biomethane can then be injected into the gas grid, used for heating, or as fuel for vehicles — all without requiring major changes to existing infrastructure.
Natural gas, on the other hand, is extracted from underground fossil reserves and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions when burned and when methane leaks occur.
By contrast, biomethane is renewable, and when sourced and managed properly, it can be carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative — making it a key tool in climate and energy strategies.
Why This Matters
The difference between biogas and biomethane isn’t just technical — it’s a critical part of reducing global emissions. Biomethane captures methane from organic waste that would otherwise enter the atmosphere. It also provides a sustainable energy source while supporting circular economy practices by turning waste into something valuable.
Whether you're exploring renewable energy, involved in waste management, or simply curious about the future of clean fuels, understanding the distinction between biomethane and natural gas is essential.
What Is Natural Gas?
Natural gas is a fossil fuel formed over millions of years from ancient organic material buried deep underground. It’s extracted through drilling and often fracking. The primary component is methane, but it also contains other hydrocarbons and impurities.
Although it's often considered the “cleanest fossil fuel,” burning natural gas still emits CO₂, and methane leaks during production and distribution are a major climate concern.
What Is Biomethane?
Also known as renewable natural gas (RNG), biomethane is created from organic waste streams. These include agricultural by-products, food scraps, sewage sludge, and gases from landfills. Biogas is produced via anaerobic digestion or thermal gasification, and then upgraded into biomethane through purification processes that remove impurities and non-methane gases.
The resulting product is nearly identical to natural gas — but it’s made from renewable resources and offers a more sustainable, climate-friendly energy option.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Biomethane vs. Natural Gas
| Feature | Biomethane | Natural Gas |
| Source | Organic waste (manure, food, sludge) | Fossil deposits (geological origin) |
| Renewable? | Yes | No |
| Carbon emissions | Low (carbon-neutral or negative) | High (CO₂ + methane leaks) |
| Infrastructure-ready | Yes – compatible with existing gas systems | Already in use |
| Environmental impact | Supports waste reduction and clean energy | Contributes to global warming |
| Supply limitations | Limited but locally available and growing | Abundant but finite |
| Current cost | Higher (without subsidies or carbon pricing) | Lower (especially in fossil-rich areas) |
| Long-term viability | Strong under net-zero goals | Declining with climate policy pressure |
Why Biomethane Is a Game-Changer
It Reduces Emissions
Biomethane prevents methane from entering the atmosphere by capturing it from manure, food waste, and landfills — sources that would otherwise contribute to climate change.
It Uses Existing Infrastructure
Once purified, biomethane can be used in the same pipelines, boilers, and engines as natural gas — making it a low-barrier solution for decarbonizing today’s gas grids.
It Turns Waste Into Energy
Biomethane supports a circular economy by converting waste into clean, usable energy. This reduces the burden on landfills and promotes sustainable agriculture.
It Strengthens Local Energy Security
Produced from local feedstocks, biomethane reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels and supports regional energy independence.
Challenges to Biomethane Adoption
Despite its advantages, biomethane faces several hurdles:
- Limited feedstock availability – only so much organic waste exists.
- Higher production costs – especially in regions without carbon pricing.
- Upgrading and injection infrastructure – requires investment and modernization.
- Certification complexity – ensuring traceability of renewable content remains a work in progress in many markets.
Still, momentum is growing. Governments, utilities, and businesses — particularly in Europe and North America — are actively supporting biomethane development as part of broader net-zero strategies.
Natural Gas: Still Important, But Facing Decline
Natural gas remains crucial in several sectors, including:
- Industrial heating
- Power generation (especially as a backup for renewables)
- Gas-fueled transportation
- Chemical and fertilizer production
However, rising climate regulations, increasing carbon costs, and public pressure for clean energy are steadily reducing its long-term role.
Is Biomethane the Future of Gas?
Biomethane presents one of the most scalable and practical ways to decarbonize hard-to-electrify sectors — like heavy transport, industrial heat, and rural gas networks.
As natural gas faces increasing climate and policy headwinds, biomethane offers a clear path forward for cleaner, renewable, and grid-compatible energy.
Odorizing Both Gases: Why YZ Systems Leads the Way
Regardless of whether the gas is fossil-based or renewably sourced, effective odorization is essential for safety, leak detection, and regulatory compliance.
That’s where YZ Systems plays a key role.
Our odorization technologies are trusted worldwide for their accuracy, reliability, and innovation — ensuring consistent odorant injection even at low flow rates. These systems are fully compatible with natural gas and biomethane, supporting today’s evolving gas networks.
From rural biomethane injection points to high-pressure natural gas pipelines, YZ odorization solutions help ensure that both traditional and renewable gases remain safe and detectable.
In an energy landscape that’s transitioning fast, YZ Systems continues to set the standard for adaptable and forward-thinking odorization technology.
