Advancements in sustainable Methane production through inNovative room temperature bio-methanation – Metha-Nov

The production, transport, costs and emissions associated with the use of fossil fuels currently pose a major problem in socio-economic, environmental and health terms. In France, for example, natural gas (>97% CH4) accounts for almost 20% of final energy consumption, and its use generates almost 1/5th of greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, France has devoted considerable effort in recent decades to developing new strategies to guarantee renewable and autonomous energy production. Major progress has been made, notably with the emergence of decarbonized technologies (solar, wind), but also in relation to the valorization of biomass and the production of bio-CH4. This latter strategy not only contributes to France's energy independence, but also plays an essential role in recycling organic waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2. The Metha-Nov project is part of this strategy. Indeed, thanks to the use of microorganisms (methanogenic archaea and bacteria) from a temperate lake (Lake Pavin) and the development of a new two-stage reactor, significant advances in microbiological and process engineering are expected. The aim is to be able to offer a high-performance, energy-efficient in situ methanation method at ambient temperature.