Methane Mitigation at CMERI
Methane mitigation is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and harnessing methane as a valuable energy resource. At the Center for Methane Emissions Research and Innovation (CMERI), we focus on developing on-site biogas utilization technologies that convert unpurified methane into electricity, reducing emissions while promoting sustainable energy solutions and exploring biochar applications to minimize methane’s environmental impact.
Current Research Focus
On-Site Biogas Combustion for Electricity Generation -- Unpurified biogas from landfills, wastewater treatment plants, and agricultural operations is often flared or vented, wasting potential energy. Our research seeks to: (1) Develop robust combustion systems that efficiently burn unpurified biogas with variable methane content. (2) Optimize engine and generator performance for reliable power production in off-grid or industrial settings. (3) Reduce harmful emissions by improving combustion efficiency and integrating advanced emissions controls. By capturing and utilizing methane, we turn a potent greenhouse gas into a renewable energy source for localized power generation.
Battery Backup for Power Stability -- Biogas generation can be intermittent due to fluctuations in methane production and energy demand. To address this, we are: (1) Integrating battery storage systems to stabilize electricity output. (2) Developing intelligent energy management strategies to balance supply and demand dynamically. (3) Enhancing grid reliability by ensuring a seamless transition between biogas combustion and stored energy. With battery-supported biogas power systems, we improve energy resilience and maximize the efficiency of methane-based electricity generation.
Methane Mitigation Through Biochar Development -- Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced through pyrolysis, offers a promising strategy for methane mitigation. Our research in this area focuses on: (1) Using biochar as a soil amendment to enhance microbial methane oxidation and reduce emissions from agricultural and wetland soils. (2) Developing biochar-based filtration systems to capture methane from waste streams before it enters the atmosphere. (3) Investigating biochar’s role in carbon sequestration to create long-term environmental benefits. By incorporating biochar into methane mitigation strategies, we explore nature-based solutions that not only reduce emissions but also enhance soil health and agricultural productivity.
Potential Future Directions -- CMERI is continuously exploring ways to refine and expand methane mitigation strategies, including: (1) Advanced combustion modeling to improve energy conversion efficiency. (2) Hybrid renewable energy systems that integrate biogas with solar or wind power. (3) Scalable biogas-to-electricity solutions for broader industrial and agricultural applications. By advancing methane mitigation technologies, CMERI is driving the transition toward low-carbon energy systems that reduce emissions while generating clean power.
Biochar
Current Projects and Reseach
- See Co-PI Gerardo Diaz's work developing biochar production and how it can be used in dairy farms. For more details see the task outline on the Mission page.
Selected Publications
- Brendan P. Harrison, Si Gao, Melinda Gonzales, Touyee Thao, Elena Bischak, Teamrat Afewerki Ghezzehei, Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, Gerardo Diaz, and Rebecca A. Ryals. Dairy Manure Co-composting with Wood Biochar Plays a Critical Role in Meeting Global Methane Goals. Environmental Science & Technology 2022 56 (15), 10987-10996. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03467
Biogas Mitigation
Current Projects and Research
- Biogas Engine Project (details coming soon):
- See Co-PI Sarah Kurtz's work investigating biogas mitigation options for methane reduction. For more information on this task see the Mission page.
Selected Publications
- Abido, Mahmoud Y., and Sarah R. Kurtz. "Optimal Strategy for Using Biomass to enable California High Penetration Solar." IEEE 49th Photovoltaics Specialists Conference (PVSC). 2022. https://doi.org/10.1109/PVSC48317.2022.9938727
- (2019, November 12). Workshop: What Should We Do with Biogas? | Register by Nov 1st. UC Merced. Retrieved February 22, 2022, from https://engineering.ucmerced.edu/events/workshop-what-should-we-do-bioga...
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Last Updated: 03/17/2025 by Derek Hollenbeck