Biogas and natural gas
The 2 most important gases used as an energy carrier is the natural gas (Erdgas) and the biogas. It is important to mention that there exist a lot of other different types of gases but since these are the most common ones we will explain those. The biggest difference between natural gas (Erdgas) and biogas is that the biogas is renewable and the natural gas is not.
Natural gas
Natural gas is gained from the underground mostly consists of methan. It is important to know that the natural gas is not very environmental friendly since it creates a lot of co2 emissions when it gets burnt.
Biogas
Biogas on the other hand is a more environmental friendly method. The reason is that when biogas gets burnt only as much CO2 is released as the source materials previously absorbed during their growth. This nearly is a complete climate-neutral circle. Therefore, biogas can be excellently used for heating houses.
2 examples
Cars
Natural gas cars are environmentally friendly and much better as petrol-driven cars. These cars have also a petrol gas tank in case if the natural gas tank is empty. This is an interesting model for the future, but at the moment it has insufficient gas station for these vehicles.
Heat pump
A gas heat pump is used to obtain energy from natural gas and from the surrounding area. It can be produced up to 40% of the daily required energy by environmental heat from air, water or sun. The environmental heat is heated to the temperature required for heating with the help of pumps and fed directly into the heating and hot water system.
Current Situation in Switzerland
These 2 gases are important in Switzerland. However, for the most part we only import the natural gas. We receive the natural gas from Germany, Italy, France and the Netherlands. Except of the Netherlands, these countries receive the gas from Russia, Norwegian and Algeria.
The small amount of the biogas which is produced in Switzerland can't even fulfill 0.1% of the gas needs in our country. This clearly shows how important it is for us to import the gas.
Vocabulary
Gas Heat pump = Gaswärmepumpe
Natural gas = Erdgas
environmental friendly = Umweltfreundlich
Ground heat exchanger = Erdwärmetauscher
Heat Release = Wärmefreisetzung
Heat Extraction = Wärmeentnahme
Heat distribution system = Wäremverteilungssystem
Quiz
Are there cars that only work with gas?
a) yes, there are cars that drive with gas only.
b) no, all gas cars need a petrol tank in case the natural gas tank is empty.
c) no, all gas cars need an electric battery otherwise the gas tank wouldn't work
Sources
Gazenergie.ch (Mobility)
Gazenergie.ch (Heating)
Energie-umwelt.ch (natural gas)
sauberenergie.de (biogas)
www.bfe.admin.ch (gases in Switzerland)
Team
Lucas and Sandro