Biogas – eco-friendly all the way from source to tank

Using gas to fuel road vehicles is an easy and cost-effective way to reduce transport emissions. The Finnish Government has set the aim of there being 50,000 gas-fueled vehicles on Finland's roads by 2030.

At Gasum filling stations, you can choose either 100% Finnish and renewable biogas or natural gas the carbon dioxide emissions of which are 25% lower than those of gasoline. The transport use of biogas can reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the life cycle of the fuel by up to 85%.

Greenhouse gas emissions over the life cycle of biogas

How would it sound like to have your car run on a fuel made from your own waste? We produce road fuel biogas from feedstocks including household biowaste, so it may well be that the banana peel you put in the bin will soon end up fueling a biogas car!
Gasum's greenhouse gas emission calculations* are based on the Energy Authority's guidelines on sustainability criteria and the determination of greenhouse gas reductions in accordance with the Renewable Energy Sources (RES) Directive.

1. Collection, transport and processing of feedstocks

Feedstocks (raw materials) used in biogas production are delivered to biogas plants from an area within an average of 100 km from the plant. The emissions from feedstock collection and transport are taken into account in the calculations on the basis of fuel consumption and transport distances. In addition to these, emissions taken into account in the calculations are generated at the plant from feedstock processing and odor control.

2. Biogas production, upgrading and injection into the gas network

As regards biogas production and upgrading, emissions from heat and electricity consumed at biogas plants, emissions from the production of chemicals used in the biogas process and emissions related to water consumption and wastewater treatment are taken into account. Also taken separately into account are emissions from electricity consumption arising from the injection of biogas into the gas network.

3. Biogas distribution logistics

Emissions related to biogas transmission in the gas pipeline network consist of methane emissions and carbon dioxide emissions from compressor stations and transmission pipelines. Electricity is consumed at gas filling stations, and emissions from its production are included in the calculations.

4. Transport use of biogas

Just like with other renewable fuels, the calculated level of carbon dioxide emissions from the transport use of biogas is regarded to be zero. Biogas combustion generates carbon dioxide, but there is no net increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide because the amount of carbon dioxide fixed in the biodegradable feedstock equals the amount released through biogas combustion.

* Carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane emissions (CH4) are taken into account in greenhouse gas emission calculations. The fossil fuel comparator used is 83.8 g CO2eq/MJ (RES Directive).