Stationary Energy

Biomass-Generated Synthetic Natural Gas

High natural gas prices have resulted in greater interest in using renewables such as wood and waste to generate methane that could possibly substitute directly for natural gas. Biomass materials include agricultural residues, forestry residues, urban wood waste, mill residues, and landfills

  • Consumption: In 2004, U.S. consumption of biomass energy was 6.12% of total energy consumption. The Department of Energy predicts that by 2020 biomass and energy crops could satisfy 15% of natural gas demand.
  • Supply: Biomass can be stored, saved, and be maintained in reserve. Up to 20 new biomass plants are being planned for 2006 and 2007 in New England. If plans to close two nuclear power plants move forward, additional biomass plants may be forthcoming. The Energy Information Association estimates that by 2020, the United States will have a supply of 7.1 quadrillion Btu of biomass at a cost of approximately $5 per million Btu or less.

This issue brief does not represent the viewpoint of the Energy Initiative or the positions of its individual members. This summary provides merely a starting point for the working group's education and discussion of the issue. To learn more about the working groups click here.

 
Copyright 2006, The Energy Initiative.