Green gas is invariably made from renewable sources, such as leftover food and farm waste, and unlike normal gas, green gas is virtually carbon neutral, so it’s better for the environment. There are several types of  green gases, such as biogas and biomethane from thermal gasification of biomass and pyrolysis, carbon dioxide (where used in or produced by renewable energy), bio-propane, bio-LPG and, clean (green or transitionally, blue) hydrogen. Green hydrogen comes from the hydrolysis of water by means of electricity obtained from renewable sources.

Hydrogen is a carbon free energy carrier with the potential to decarbonise challenging sectors (e.g. industrial clusters, heating and transport – in particular aviation, marine and heavy freight). It can also be used for large scale energy storage. Hydrogen has zero emissions at the point of use, but its upstream or “well to tank” emissions vary considerably, depending on how it is made.

There is much interest in the role that hydrogen can play in a future energy system, and the EU is planning to make this one of the keystones of a stimulus package for a green recovery from the Coronavirus epidemic.

For more detailed information about AD, biogas, biomethane or hydrogen, please visit the REA’s Green Gas Forum.