Argentinean researchers seek to power cars with biomethane from cattle gases

By the year 2050, oil reserves are expected to decrease while need for alternative and renewable energy sources will increase. Given this scenario, the use of compressed natural gas could be complemented with this achievement. The energy obtained from cows would help “those places where there is no conventional energy, so that producers can have an alternative for cooking, lighting their homes and driving their cars,” said Berra.

To capture the gas, INTA technicians used a cannula system communicated directly with the rumen containing methane to fill a plastic bag, which is located in the back of the animal. According to Berra, “the amount of gas collected varies by food ingested and the size of the animal: an adult cow emits about 1.200 liters per day, of which 250 to 300 are methane.”

Since the animal generates different gases, the initiative suggests the use of an industrial compound called monoethanolamine (MEA), by 25 percent, for removing carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide and purify them to obtain a concentration of about 95 percent methane. Thus, this “four-leg digester” could offer a double solution: efficient and sustainable energy generation and prevention of GHG accumulation in the atmosphere.

Given the comments received about Good Practices in Animal Welfare, veterinarian Berra stressed that “it is important to keep in mind the care and respect for animals as even though they are part of the production process, they should not be treated badly.”

Source: INTA