Fossil‑free bio‑LNG
The right pathway to net‑zero

Bio-LNG is sometimes also referred to as liquefied biomethane (LBM) or liquefied biogas (LBG), as if these were the same product. But is that actually correct?

Fossil LNG, whether “greened” or not, typically consists of about 90% methane, along with other hydrocarbons. Bio-LNG that is produced by onsite liquefaction of biogas, however, consists of approximately 99% biomethane. The term liquefied biomethane (LBM) therefore more accurately reflects both the product and its production process.

Nevertheless, since this liquid biomethane is a renewable fuel used in LNG engines to replace fossil LNG, the term bio-LNG remains the most commonly used name.

Bio-LNG is considered carbon neutral because it is produced from organic waste materials that are already part of the short carbon cycle. When this waste decomposes naturally, it emits biogas (methane and CO₂) into the atmosphere. By capturing this biogas and converting it into bio-LNG, these emissions are prevented and put to productive use.

The CO₂ released during combustion of fossil-free bio-LNG is biogenic. It simply returns to the atmosphere as part of the natural cycle, rather than adding new fossil carbon. When combined with carbon capture and the use of manure or other high-impact feedstocks, fossil-free bio-LNG can even deliver net negative emissions, making it one of the most effective tools for decarbonising transport today.

Fossil-free ready bio-LNG aligns perfectly with EU renewable energy directives, which increasingly focus on full lifecycle emissions and energy independence. The EU Innovation Fund has recognised and funded projects using on-site biogas liquefaction, demonstrating its alignment with European climate goals. Our bio-LNG helps meet targets in the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) for the transport sector and contributes to the RePowerEU targets for biomethane production.

Onsite liquefaction reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels by producing fossil-free ready bio-LNG directly from local organic waste, without the need for fossil molecules in the production process. This approach enhances energy security, reduces geopolitical risks, and keeps value within local economies. The need for local production becomes increasingly important as we transition away from fossil dependence.

Initially, fossil-free ready bio-LNG through onsite liquefaction requires higher capital investment for on-site liquefaction units. However, this approach eliminates costs associated with grid injection, avoids hidden infrastructure costs, and maximises resource efficiency. When considering total lifecycle costs and fair carbon pricing, fossil-free ready bio-LNG becomes increasingly competitive.

Technology for onsite bio-LNG production continuously evolves to improve efficiency and reduce costs, making this sustainable option more accessible to biogas producers worldwide.

Most biogas producers with sufficient scale can adopt fossil-free ready bio-LNG production through onsite liquefaction. Nordsol’s technology is designed for efficient and economical biogas liquefaction. The technology can be integrated with existing biogas plants and requires no gas grid connection, making it widely applicable. Our team provides comprehensive support throughout the process, from initial business case development to plant operation.

Mass-balancing is an accounting method that tracks the renewable portion of gas in a mixed system. While it enables the integration of biomethane into existing gas infrastructure, it requires careful oversight to prevent double-counting of green attributes.

Without proper transparency and verification, there’s a risk that the same “green” characteristics could be claimed multiple times or that fossil-based products could be misleadingly marketed as renewable. Nordsol’s onsite liquefaction approach avoids these complexities by keeping the production chain simple, transparent, and physically traceable from waste to fuel.

Not necessarily. Centralized liquefaction and terminal liquefaction, that both use mass-balancing, seem convenient, but hide systemic costs. To make fossil gas green with certificates, large biomethane volumes must enter the grid. Many production sites are remote, making connections expensive. Grid upgrades and maintenance, often taxpayer-funded, are not always reflected in market prices. The result: a path that appears cost-effective but shifts some long-term burdens to the public instead of the fuel consumer.