Bloom Energy's Carbon-Neutral Claim Relies on Scarce Biogas

[Fledermaus]

Bloom Energy says its fuel cells can be 100-percent carbon free — but that’s only if you run them on biogas. What’s biogas, and where does it come from? And how can Bloom’s customers get ahold of some to make their fuel cells something more than a more expensive, less greenhouse-gas intensive alternative to natural gas-fired power plants?

It won’t be easy. In California, where Bloom is focusing the bulk of its efforts because of a state subsidy, only a small amount of biogas — methane from organic waste — is being prepared to be injected into California pipelines. Among the projects is BioEnergy Solutions of Bakersfield, Calif., which has injected a small amount of biogas from Central Valley dairy manure into Pacific Gas & Electric’s pipeline, PG&E spokesman Denny Boyles said.

http://earth2tech.com/2010/02/26/bloom%E2%80%99s-carbon-neutral-claim-relies-on-scarce-biogas/

[WhiteTara]

1. I thought natural gas and propane could also

be used.

[Statistical]

2. They can however it would emit some CO2.

CO2 emissions are substantially less than US power grid on average but not 0 unless using a carbon neutral fuel source.

[OKIsItJustMe]

3. Where is the news in this?

That was made plain even in the 60 Minutes piece.

[Nihil]

4. Unrec'd for being pointless FUD. (n/t)

:thumbsdown: