Top topic this week
Questions asked by users might not always be phrased in the clearest way.
Methane (CH4) is a versatile hydrocarbon with a wide range of applications:
- Fuel: Methane is an important source of energy, used in various domestic, commercial, and industrial applications. It is a primary component of natural gas and biogas, which are commonly utilized for heating, cooking, and power generation.
- Industrial Feedstock: Methane is a fundamental raw material in the production of chemicals, fertilizers, plastics, and hydrogen. It undergoes various processes, including reforming, cracking, and dehydrogenation, to yield useful intermediates and products.
- Transportation Fuel: Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) are becoming increasingly popular transportation fuels. Methane, when converted to methanol, ethanol, or dimethyl ether, can also serve as a fuel for vehicles.
- Waste Management: Methane capture and utilization from landfills, wastewater treatment plants, and agricultural operations can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate renewable energy. Biogas derived from organic waste contains a significant portion of methane.
- Energy Storage: Methane can be stored and transported in gaseous or liquid form, allowing for the storage of energy during periods of surplus production and its utilization when needed.