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Methane Mitigation

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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. Biogas Engine Project (details coming soon):
  2. 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

  1. 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
  2. (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