What is e-NG?
e-NG is electric natural gas, a sustainable synthetic methane that can seamlessly replace fossil molecules. As we can generate it at scale, e-NG offers the fastest route to dramatically reducing emissions in the global energy system.
We make e-NG by combining green hydrogen with recycled CO₂. e-NG is identical to natural gas on a molecular level and blends easily into the existing energy mix. This makes it simple and cost-effective for our customers and partners to begin and scale up the green transition.
We already have everything we need for a global e-NG roll out. e-NG production uses mature, proven technology so we do not have to wait for new discoveries or scientific advances. No major upgrades are required, and the infrastructure, ships, pipes, and factories can all remain the same. Already more cost-effective than fossil fuels, e-NG will only get cheaper as we refine processes and technology continues to improve.
e-NG also solves many of the challenges we face with renewable energy intermittency, hydrogen storage, and supply security. e-NG can be produced, stored, banked, and traded in a consistent, cost-effective, and predictable way.
In short, storing the sun’s energy as e-NG ensures a resilient, sustainable energy supply, even on our darkest days.
By 2030, we will provide
1,000,000 tons
of e-NG per year
15.4 TWh
of e-NG per year
2,750,000 tons
of CO₂ needed as feedstock to produce new e-NG
Companies can use e-NG straight away to reduce their fossil fuel reliance without having to change their existing infrastructure. Immediate impact, no expensive upgrades.
How do we make e-NG?
We make e-NG by subjecting our green hydrogen and recycled CO₂ to high pressures at a temperature of around 400°C in the presence of a nickel catalyst. This causes what is known as the Sabatier reaction which produces methane (CH4) and water.
French chemist Paul Sabatier discovered this methanation process in 1897 and won the Nobel Prize for his work in 1912. Though it has been a proven method for over 100 years, it’s only recently experienced a commercial revival. Here is the equation that describes it: CO₂ + 4H2 → CH4 + 2H2O.
The equation shows that 50% of the hydrogen goes into water, while the other 50% ends up in our e-NG. At first sight, this seems inefficient. However, there are more sides to the story. The 50% of hydrogen that ends up as water can be recycled to the electrolyzer to reduce freshwater intake almost in half.
In addition, the true magic of this reaction lies in its efficient energy balance. By combining the hydrogen with CO₂ to produce e-NG, around 78% of the energy from the methanation process ends up in the e-NG (CH4) and the rest is released as heat. By capturing and recycling this heat, the overall efficiency can be increased to well above 80%.
FAQ
How can e-NG be used?
e-NG can be considered as a green alternative to fossil natural gas. It can be used in any process that currently relies on natural gas. e-NG can be used in electricity generation, heavy industries like steel, cement, or transportation and mobility, to name just a few. As e-NG is identical to natural gas on a molecular level, it behaves in the same way. No infrastructure upgrades are needed to blend e-NG into the existing energy mix.
Why did TES choose to transport green hydrogen as green methane (e-NG/CH4) and not green ammonia (NH3)?
We believe that all hydrogen carriers will be needed to effectively decarbonize the global energy system. As does e-NG, ammonia has certain characteristics that make it suitable for its own use cases. TES chose to produce e-NG given that it provides an immediate and seamless solution to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors that today rely on fossil natural gas.
Why can’t you ship hydrogen directly?
Currently, hydrogen is difficult to store and transport due to its low density, and compressing it requires a huge amount of energy. Today, there is also a lack of available hydrogen distribution infrastructure. Converting hydrogen to e-NG solves these problems and accelerates its adoption globally.
Is the Sabatier process wasteful? The reaction equation (4H2 + CO2 -> CH4 + 2H2O) suggests that half of the green hydrogen ends up as water.
The equation shows that 50% of the hydrogen goes into water, while the other 50% ends up in our e-NG. At first sight, this seems inefficient. However, there are more sides to the story. The 50% of hydrogen that ends up as water can be recycled to the electrolyzer to reduce freshwater intake almost in half. In addition, the true magic of this reaction lies in its efficient energy balance. By combining the hydrogen with CO₂ to produce e-NG, around 78% of the energy from the methanation process ends up in the e-NG (CH4) and the rest is released as heat. By capturing and recycling this heat, the overall efficiency can be increased to well above 80%.
Getting e-NG around the world?
We will share more about where we get our CO₂ in step six. But first, have a look at how we get e-NG from our production sites to the rest of the world.