Best examples of Reducing Methane Gas
Methane gas is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. It is the second most significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland due to the large population of cattle. Here are some examples of how methane gas can be reduced:
Landfill gas capture: Landfills are a significant source of methane gas emissions. Landfill gas capture systems can capture and convert methane into electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating renewable energy.
Agricultural practices: Livestock, particularly cows, produce methane gas during digestion. Practices such as reducing the use of animal feed additives, improving manure management, and using different feed sources can reduce methane emissions from livestock.
Biogas systems: Biogas systems can capture methane gas from organic waste materials such as agricultural waste, food waste, and sewage. The captured methane can be used to generate electricity or heat.
Coal mine methane capture: Coal mines also emit methane gas. Methane can be captured and used for electricity generation or sold to industrial customers.
Natural gas system leak detection and repair: Natural gas leaks from pipelines, compressors, and other infrastructure contribute to methane emissions. Regular leak detection and repair can reduce these emissions.
Reducing food waste: Food waste in landfills can produce methane gas as it decomposes. Reducing food waste through composting, donation, and reduction can help reduce methane emissions.
Anaerobic digestion: Anaerobic digestion is a process that can convert organic waste into biogas and fertilizer. The biogas can be used for electricity or heat, reducing methane emissions and generating renewable energy.
Energy efficiency: Increasing energy efficiency in buildings and industries can reduce the need for fossil fuel-based energy generation, reducing methane emissions from power generation and industrial processes. Wexford’s Danone food and beverage company is aligned to the Global Methane Pledge to reduce methane emissions from milk. It has become the first carbon-neutral baby formula production site in the world.
Methane capture from oil and gas wells: Methane is often released during oil and gas extraction. Capturing and using this methane gas can reduce emissions and generate additional revenue for oil and gas companies.
Increasing renewable energy: Replacing fossil fuel-based energy sources with renewable energy, such as solar and wind, can reduce the need for methane-producing fossil fuels, reducing overall methane emissions. The SEAI provides grants for such purposes.
