The Promise of Synthetic Methane: A Green Fuel for a Sustainable Future

Green Background

It’s already been 9 months since I joined the Q Power team. During this time, I’ve dived into the world of electric fuels, power-to-x, and synthetic methane, discovering their immense significance in building a sustainable future. As I continue to learn and grow, I’m eager to share the importance of synthetic methane in our energy transition and how it can help us fight against climate change. 

Being a mother of two, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to leave behind a better world for all of us. That’s why I want to discuss solutions and bring hope for you all when you understand the incredible benefits that synthetic methane brings to the table. But let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! 

Methane reinvented – A sustainable solution for energy transmission

Methane, often seen as a harmful greenhouse gas, surprisingly offers a solution to mitigate climate change. By harnessing the power of recycled CO2 to renewable methane, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions over time. Synthetic methane, a renewable fuel, holds incredible promise as it seamlessly integrates into existing infrastructures. With green hydrogen and carbon dioxide as raw materials, we can transition from natural gas to synthetic methane. This scalable solution drives us toward a carbon-neutral future. 

Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, isn’t methane already part of our energy landscape?” You’re absolutely right! Natural gas, predominantly composed of methane, has been meeting our energy needs for years. But let’s face it, we can’t continue relying on fossil fuels forever. However, synthetic methane is different, it is made with recycled carbon dioxide and hydrogen from renewable electricity. It has the potential to replace natural gas in all cases in a more sustainable way. Especially in sectors like heavy transportation, shipping, and specific industries where gas usage, in many cases, is essential. Synthetic methane can be produced now, and it is the perfect solution to meet those needs while minimizing our environmental impact. 

Concrete solutions are what we need to tackle climate change head-on. We must focus on sectors where direct electrification faces challenges. As said, synthetic methane, produced using recycled carbon dioxide, appears as an excellent alternative. Its superior energy density, easy storage, and distribution make it a top choice among other synthetic fuels. And here’s the best part: methane already has demand and infrastructure, and users are ready to take advantage of it.

Synthetic methane brings several benefits to the table: 

  • Local Energy Self-Sufficiency: Producing fuel from local raw materials promotes energy independence. 
  • Fighting Climate Change: Synthetic methane significantly reduces emissions, aiding in the battle against climate change. 
  • Fast and Easy Transition: Utilizing existing infrastructure ensures a swift transition to synthetic methane, not to mention existing users. 
  • Transportability: Synthetic methane can be transported in many different forms even for long distances without great energy losses.  

Our approach to fight against climate change 

At Q Power, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We’ve developed advanced technology and an innovative approach to producing methane while minimizing its environmental impact. Our pioneering microbiological invention harnesses the power of microbes from Finnish marshlands to convert green hydrogen and carbon dioxide into renewable synthetic methane. We’re not just talking about concepts here; we’re actively serving customers in multiple fields, making a  difference. 

What’s even more exciting is that the technology for industrial-scale production is already available. As I write this blog, we are busy manufacturing bioreactors for Finland’s first large-scale methanation facility, for P2X Solutions, a true forerunner in the hydrogen economy. We’re making concrete progress toward a greener future! 

We have announced that our goal is to deliver 500MW of renewable methane production capacity every year by the end of the decade. For comparison, that amount of synthetic methane is equivalent to 400 million liters of diesel. In terms of reduced climate emissions, it means 1-2 million tons less carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, depending on how much waste heat is utilized.

In my opinion, synthetic methane holds incredible promise as a game-changer in the renewable energy landscape. It offers a practical solution to replace traditional natural gas, combat climate change, and secure a sustainable energy transition. The time to act is now! We cannot afford to wait any longer. Let’s seize this opportunity to make a U-turn in our fight against climate change and drive the transition toward a greener world, where renewable energy sources take center stage. The future is within our reach, and together we can make it a reality! 

Paula Korkeamäki Q Power

This blog was written by Paula Korkeamäki Q Powers Director of Communications and Public Relations

Paula is a passionate advocate for Q Power’s innovative solutions and the hope they bring in the battle against climate change. With a firm belief that the time for action is now, she is dedicated to driving positive change and creating a sustainable future. 

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