Long-range approach to the natural gas shortage utilizing nonfossil renewable carbon

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Energy Sources; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00908317708945978· OSTI ID:7225429

Klass, D L

Based on our present knowledge, the only long-term practical solution to sustaining a national economy on natural gas is to convert a major source of continuously renewable nonfossil carbon to substitute natural gas that is interchangeable with, or can be substituted for, natural gas. The most promising source of this carbon is land- and water-based biomass produced from solar energy by photosynthesis. An assessment of this concept is presented, and the major problems encountered in the development of the technology are reviewed. The technology for biomass production and conversion is sufficiently advanced so that break-throughs and discoveries of a fundamental nature are not required. Special emphasis is given to the importance of system design, biomass production, biomass conversion to SNG, economics, and energetics. A concept for the Net Energy Production Ratio of fully integrated systems is also presented. After suitable development, the commercialization of an SNG industry using low-cash-value, high-fuel-value biomass raw materials will probably be economically attractive. It is essential to start a full-scale development program now so that the technology is ready for use before fossil fuel depletion causes even greater energy supply problems.

• Research Organization: Inst. of Gas Tech., Chicago
• OSTI ID: 7225429
• Journal Information: Energy Sources; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Sources; (United States) Vol. 3:2; ISSN EGYSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
090122* -- Hydrocarbon Fuels-- Preparation from Wastes or Biomass-- (1976-1989)
140504 -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Biomass Production & Conversion-- (-1989)
ALKANES
ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
BIOCONVERSION
BIOMASS
CEREALS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CONVERSION
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
DECOMPOSITION
DIGESTION
ECONOMICS
ENERGY ANALYSIS
ENERGY CONVERSION
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUIDS
FUELS
GASIFICATION
GRAMINEAE
GRASS
HYDROCARBONS
MANAGEMENT
METHANATION
METHANE
NET ENERGY
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC WASTES
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
PLANTS
POPLARS
PROCESSING
PRODUCTION
PYROLYSIS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SHIFT PROCESSES
SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION
SORGHUM
SUGAR CANE
SUNFLOWERS
SYNTHESIS
SYNTHETIC FUELS
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
TREES
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
WASTES