What is Biomethane? | Biomethane Uses & Engine Conversion by PVE Group

Biomethane is a renewable natural gas (RNG) produced by upgrading biogas. It's a clean energy source that works just like natural gas, but it's made from organic waste like food scraps, manure, and agricultural residues. Biomethane is also called bio-methane fuel or upgraded biogas. As countries across Southeast Asia—like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia—look for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, biomethane is gaining momentum as a clean, renewable energy source. But what exactly is biomethane, and how is it different from natural gas or raw biogas? Let’s break it down in simple terms, exploring how it’s made, what sets it apart, and why it matters for our region.

What is Biomethane?

Biomethane is a purified form of methane gas (CH₄) that’s made from biogas—which itself comes from the breakdown of organic waste materials like:

• Rice straw, palm oil waste, and other crop residues
• Manure from farms
• Food waste and kitchen scraps
• Wastewater sludge

Raw biogas usually contains only about 50–65% methane, mixed with carbon dioxide (CO₂), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), water vapor, and other impurities. To make it useful as a clean fuel, this raw gas needs to be upgraded. That means removing the unwanted stuff and boosting the methane content to 95% or higher. The result is biomethane—a gas with the same energy value and properties as fossil-based natural gas, but much cleaner and fully renewable.

The result is biomethane—a gas with the same energy value and properties as fossil-based natural gas, but much cleaner and fully renewable.

Biomethane vs Biogas vs Natural Gas: What’s the Difference

How is Biomethane Made?

The process starts with anaerobic digestion—a natural, oxygen-free breakdown of organic material by microbes. This produces raw biogas.
Then comes biogas upgrading technologies, where specialized biomethane plant systems use proven technology to clean the gas and raise its methane content. These systems include:
• Membrane separation technology
• Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA)

• Water scrubbing

• Chemical absorption technologies

Each upgrading system uses different methods to remove CO₂, H₂S, moisture, and other contaminants. The choice of biomethane technology depends on the type of feedstock, location, and the size and scale of the plant.

In countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, membrane-based biomethane systems are becoming especially popular. These plants are compact, modular, and require less water—making them ideal for agricultural regions and decentralized energy projects.

Why It Matters for Southeast Asia

Biomethane isn’t just good for the planet—it makes real sense for our region:
1. Improves Energy Security: We can reduce our reliance on imported gas and diesel.
2. Turns Waste into Value: Agricultural and food waste becomes a clean, usable fuel.
3. Reduces Emissions: Biomethane supports climate goals and cuts carbon.
4. Adds Revenue: Projects can earn carbon credits or sell to green gas buyers.
5. Versatile Applications: It can be used for transport, industrial heating, or even injected into
local gas pipelines.
Thailand is already exploring biomethane injection into the gas grid, while Indonesia and Malaysia are moving toward BioCNG and BioLNG projects for logistics and industry.

Potential Usage of Biomethane

How Biomethane is Powering Clean Growth in Southeast Asia
As Southeast Asia pushes forward on climate goals, countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia are looking to biomethane as a clean, renewable gas that fits into real-world energy and transport systems. With high energy content, low carbon emissions, and wide compatibility, biomethane offers solutions for multiple sectors—from public transport and factories to power generation and even export.
Here’s a look at how biomethane is being used today, and where it’s going next in the region.
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👉 Learn more about BioLNG solutions here

1. Clean Transport Fuel: BioCNG and BioLNG

One of the fastest-growing uses for biomethane is as a vehicle fuel. Once purified, it can be compressed into BioCNG or liquefied into BioLNG.
BioCNG

• Suitable for buses, waste collection trucks, and delivery fleets
• Lower emissions than diesel or LPG
• Compatible with existing CNG engine platforms
• Fast refueling and proven performance for urban logistics
BioLNG
• Higher energy density for long-haul transport and marine use

• Ideal for refrigerated trucks and LNG-ready ships

• Easier to store and transport over long distances

Thailand has launched trials using BioCNG-powered municipal trucks, while Indonesia is evaluating BioLNG routes for cross-island freight.

2. Renewable Power Generation

Biomethane can also fuel engines and turbines for power and heat. Compared to raw biogas, biomethane burns cleaner and delivers more stable performance.
• Works with Combined Heat and Power (CHP) units
• Suitable for industrial parks or rural microgrids
• Delivers steady baseload or backup electricity
As solar and wind expand across Southeast Asia, biomethane complements these sources with flexible and reliable generation.

3. Industrial Heating and Steam

Manufacturers in industries like food, textiles, and chemicals often need high-temperature heat. Biomethane can directly replace fossil fuels in:
• Boilers
• Furnaces
• Steam dryers
It provides clean combustion, fewer emissions, and helps companies meet ESG and regulatory standards.

4. Injection into Gas Pipelines

Upgraded biomethane can be blended into existing gas grids. This enables utilities and cities to:
• Lower the carbon intensity of household and commercial gas
• Use current pipelines and appliances without upgrades
• Build long-term decarbonization plans with minimal disruption
Thailand is conducting pilot studies and grid compatibility tests to move this forward.

5. Export Opportunities

Biomethane, when liquefied, can be sold as BioLNG to other countries. Southeast Asia is well-placed to become an exporter due to:
• Rich agricultural and organic waste feedstocks
• Cost-effective plant operation
• Proximity to high-demand LNG markets like Japan and South Korea
To succeed, export-grade projects need advanced biomethane systems, liquefaction plants, and strong EPC and consulting partners.

Biomethane and BioLNG Bunkering (from Biogas Upgrading Plant)

Making Biomethane Projects Work: The Role of Experts

Building a successful biomethane project takes more than technology. The right consulting team and EPC contractor can help you:

• Choose the best technology for your feedstock and goals
• Navigate permitting, incentives, and grid connection
• Design and deliver the plant on time and on budget

Firms like Provers Engineering Group (PVE Group) specialize in delivering turnkey biomethane plants across Southeast Asia, including membrane-based solutions from Evonik.

Final Thoughts on Potential Usage of Biomethane

Biomethane offers Southeast Asia a way to cut emissions, make better use of waste, and reduce reliance on imported fuels. Whether used for trucks, factories, or the grid, it’s a flexible solution with long-term benefits.
In the next article, we’ll look at how to convert diesel engines to run on biomethane—what’s needed, how it works, and the payback timeline.

Biomethane Engine Conversion: A Practical Path to Clean Fuel

Unlocking Clean Fuel Potential for Southeast Asia’s Transport and Industry
As biomethane becomes increasingly accessible in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, a key question emerges for fleet operators and industrial users: how practical is it to convert existing diesel engines to run on BioCNG or BioLNG?
The answer: it’s not only doable—it’s already happening across the region. In this final part of the article, we explore how engine conversion works, the benefits of switching to biomethane, and how expert EPC contractors for biomethane projects like Provers Engineering Group (PVE Group) are helping businesses make the transition.

Why Convert to Biomethane?

There are clear advantages to converting diesel engines to biomethane:

• Lower fuel costs, particularly when sourced from a local biomethane plant
• Substantial emissions reduction, supporting ESG goals and air quality improvements
• Improved energy independence, by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels
• Access to carbon credits, renewable energy certifications, and other green incentives

For logistics providers, industrial facilities, and municipalities, engine conversion is a cost-effective way to support sustainability goals while reducing operational expenses.

Which Engines Can Be Converted?

Most diesel engines—used in trucks, buses, marine vessels, and power generators—can be converted to run on biomethane using one of two common methods:

1. Dual-Fuel Conversion
• Combines diesel with biomethane for combustion
• Diesel acts as a pilot fuel to ignite the gas
• Suitable for heavy-duty vehicles, marine engines, and gensets

2. Spark-Ignition Conversion
• Converts engine to run entirely on biomethane (BioCNG or BioLNG)
• Requires fuel system upgrades, injectors, and spark ignition
• Ideal for city buses, light-duty fleets, and custom industrial machines

The right approach depends on the vehicle type, usage profile, and project goals.

What’s Involved in the Biomethane Conversion Process?

A successful engine conversion system involves several key steps:

• Installing gas storage systems (high-pressure tanks for BioCNG, cryogenic tanks for BioLNG)
• Retrofitting engine components to handle gas-based combustion
• Integrating electronic control systems for safe and efficient operation
• Calibrating and testing the modified engine for optimal performance and regulatory compliance

This work must be carried out by trained professionals and licensed workshops to ensure safety and long-term durability.

Payback Potential and Operational Savings

The real value of switching to biomethane fuel systems lies in the long-term savings:

• Fleet operators often recover conversion costs within 12 to 24 months through fuel savings
• Carbon credit programs and clean fuel incentives can further improve the return on investment
• Lower maintenance costs due to cleaner combustion and reduced engine wear

As fuel prices remain volatile, locking in stable biomethane supply via a local biomethane plant or system can offer a competitive edge.

Safety, Standards, and Certification

All conversions must follow national safety regulations and emissions standards:

• Use certified conversion kits and qualified installers
• Ensure gas storage and delivery systems meet pressure and material standards
• Re-register converted vehicles if required under transport laws

Governments across Southeast Asia are introducing pilot programs and standards to support wider adoption of BioCNG and BioLNG as alternative fuels.

Partner with a Trusted EPC Contractor

Converting engines to run on biomethane requires more than just hardware—it requires expert planning, compliance, and project management. That’s where an experienced EPC contractor comes in.

Provers Engineering Group (PVE Group) provides full-service solutions for:

• Biomethane supply and refueling infrastructure
• Technical assessment and project scoping
• Engine conversion, commissioning, and ongoing support

PVE Group has delivered successful biomethane projects across Southeast Asia and is one of the region’s leading specialists in biomethane technology and engine integration.

Ready to Make the Switch?

Looking to optimize your biogas upgrading, expand your biomethane production, or convert your fleet to run on BioCNG or BioLNG? Partner with Provers Engineering Group (PVE Group)—a trusted EPC contractor specializing in turnkey renewable energy solutions across Southeast Asia.

From biomethane plants and engine conversion systems to long-term operational support, we help businesses lower emissions and unlock clean fuel potential.

Learn more about Biogas Upgrading, Biogas Upgrading Technologies or PVE Group

📩 Contact PVE Group today for a consultation and custom energy roadmap.

Final Thoughts

Whether your fleet runs on trucks, buses, or industrial engines, biomethane engine conversion offers a smart and practical route to lower emissions, reduced fuel costs, and energy independence.

With support from trusted partners like PVE Group, companies across Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the broader ASEAN region can make the switch to BioCNG and BioLNG systems with confidence—and lead the way in Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition.

PVE Group - Leading provider of biogas upgrading, biomethane, BioCNG, BioLNG, and hydrogen solutions in Asia

Contacts

Email: info@PVEgroup.asia
Phone: +66 (8) 4546 0199
Fax: +66 (2) 462 7492

135/1 Moo2 Soi.Maiat
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Phrapradaeng, Samutprakarn,
Thailand 10130

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What is Biomethane? | Biomethane Uses & Engine Conversion by PVE Group