Delivering leading renewable and synthetic natural gas solutions
Electrolytic synthetic substitute natural gas, also known as synthetic natural gas, (e-SNG) and renewable natural gas (RNG) offer a low-carbon alternative to fossil natural gas, seamlessly integrating into existing gas infrastructure.
At Johnson Matthey (JM), we apply over a century of expertise in synthetic gas technology to provide efficient, scalable, and commercially proven solutions for synthetic natural gas production.
Our DAVY ePOWERGASTM licensed methanation flowsheet, combined with our proven methanation catalysts, ensures reliable, efficient, and cost-effective production of RNG and e-SNG.
Our technology drives down the levelized cost of gas production:
Reduced project risk through optimised execution
Streamlined delivery, robust design choices, and proven performance help keep projects on track and on budget.
Johnson Matthey strengthens project certainty by applying standardised, widely available equipment and well-established process designs. This approach lowers procurement risk and shortens delivery schedules. The technology’s compatibility with variable renewable power enables stable operation without large buffering systems, further reducing capital requirements. With decades of successful project delivery, JM provides dependable, finance-ready solutions that support efficient execution and cost control.
Lower lifecycle costs. Greater operational efficiency.
High-performance processing, stable long-term operation, and valuable energy recovery support improved project economics.
Operating efficiency is maximised through high-conversion processing that eliminates waste streams and avoids the need for complex gas handling. The system generates useful steam that can be integrated into plant utilities to offset energy demand. Supported by durable catalysts and reliable plant performance, operators benefit from reduced maintenance requirements and fewer interruptions, helping to drive down total lifecycle operating costs.
Johnson Matthey’s expertise in methanation
With over 100 licensed SNG plants and more than a century of research in the field, JM is a trusted leader in power-to-gas solutions. Our advanced methanation technology supports:
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Flexible feedstock conversion: Accommodating CO2, CO, and gasified biomass.
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Scalability: From small to large-scale commercial plants
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Global deployment: Successfully implemented across multiple geographies
Infrastructure compatibility
Both gases can be integrated seamlessly into existing natural gas networks, avoiding costly infrastructure overhauls.
Renewable energy integration
e-SNG enables surplus renewable electricity to be converted into storable, transportable gas, supporting grid stability and energy storage needs.
Energy security
Diversifies energy supply by enabling domestic and renewable gas production, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
What are synthetic and renewable natural gases?
e-SNG, also known as e-methane or e-NG, is produced by reacting electrolytic (green) hydrogen with captured CO2 from industrial and biogenic sources. Renewable natural gas, on the other hand, can also be derived from upgrading biogas, commonly produced via anaerobic digestion.
Both gases are chemically equivalent to natural gas, enabling a smooth transition to renewable energy without the need for new infrastructure.
By replacing fossil-derived natural gas with synthetic and renewable natural gases, industries and energy providers can significantly reduce carbon emissions while maintaining energy security and operational efficiency.
Supporting the energy transition with synthetic and renewable natural gases
As the world transitions to sustainable energy, synthetic and renewable natural gases plays a crucial role in transforming the global gas supply. Governments, industries, and energy providers are increasingly seeking viable alternatives to fossil natural gas that maintain grid reliability and energy security while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Key drivers for adoption include:
Understanding Synthetic and Renewable Natural Gases
What are synthetic and renewable natural gases?
e-SNG, also known as e-methane or e-NG, is produced by reacting electrolytic (green) hydrogen with captured CO₂ from industrial and biogenic sources. Renewable natural gas, on the other hand, can also be derived from upgrading biogas, commonly produced via anaerobic digestion.
Both gases are chemically equivalent to natural gas, enabling a smooth transition to renewable energy without the need for new infrastructure.
By replacing fossil-derived natural gas with synthetic and renewable natural gases, industries and energy providers can significantly reduce carbon emissions while maintaining energy security and operational efficiency.
Supporting the energy transition with synthetic and renewable natural gases
As the world transitions to sustainable energy, synthetic and renewable natural gases play a crucial role in transforming the global gas supply. Governments, industries, and energy providers are increasingly seeking viable alternatives to fossil natural gas that maintain grid reliability and energy security while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovating with our methanation technology
JM’s proven methanation technology is being applied to the circular production of critical raw materials as part of the MECALO project. By leveraging our expertise in synthetic gas production and power-to-X technologies, we are enabling the decarbonisation of essential industries.
As a trusted partner in the MECALO consortium, JM continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, delivering innovative solutions that support a cleaner, more secure future.
Common questions about SAF and FT CANs
What is e-SNG and how is it produced?
e-SNG, or e-synthetic natural gas, is a synthetic methane produced using renewable electricity, hydrogen and a source of carbon dioxide (CO2). It is chemically similar to conventional natural gas and can be transported and used through existing gas infrastructure.
The process typically starts with renewable electricity powering electrolysis to produce hydrogen from water. That hydrogen is then reacted with captured CO2 in a methanation process to create synthetic methane (CH4) and water.
Because e-SNG can utilise existing gas grids, storage infrastructure and end-use equipment, it is gaining interest as a potential route to decarbonise sectors that are difficult to electrify directly, including industrial heating, power generation and some transport applications.
What is methanation technology and how does it work?
Methanation is the process of converting carbon oxides and hydrogen into methane through a catalytic chemical reaction. It is a key step in e-SNG production.
In a typical e-SNG process, captured CO2 reacts with hydrogen over a catalyst at elevated temperatures and pressures. The reaction produces methane and water. Catalysts are critical because they help improve conversion efficiency, process stability and operational reliability.
Methanation technology has been used industrially for decades in applications such as ammonia and synthetic gas production. Today, it is increasingly being adapted for lower carbon energy projects where renewable hydrogen and captured CO2 are combined to produce synthetic methane compatible with existing natural gas infrastructure.
How does e-SNG differ from conventional natural gas and biogas?
e-SNG is chemically very similar to conventional natural gas because both are primarily composed of methane. The main difference is how the gas is produced.
Conventional natural gas is extracted from underground fossil reserves. e-SNG is produced synthetically using renewable hydrogen and captured CO2. As a result, e-SNG has the potential to significantly reduce lifecycle carbon emissions when produced using renewable electricity and suitable carbon sources.
Biogas, by comparison, is generated from the biological breakdown of organic materials such as agricultural waste, sewage sludge or food waste. After upgrading and purification, biogas can produce biomethane, which can also be injected into gas grids.
Unlike biogas, e-SNG production is not dependent on biological feedstock availability and may offer greater scalability in regions with access to renewable power and CO2 sources.
What feedstocks are used to produce e-SNG?
The main inputs required to produce e-SNG are hydrogen and carbon dioxide (CO2).
Hydrogen is typically produced through electrolysis using renewable electricity and water. The CO2 can come from a range of sources, including industrial emissions, biogenic CO2 streams or direct air capture technologies.
The choice of CO2 source can influence both project economics and the overall carbon intensity of the final fuel. Biogenic or atmospheric CO2 sources are often seen as important for achieving lower lifecycle emissions.
Renewable electricity availability is also a key factor because it directly impacts hydrogen production costs, which are currently one of the largest economic drivers in e-SNG projects.
How is CO2 used in e-SNG production?
CO2 acts as a carbon source in the e-SNG production process. During methanation, captured CO2 reacts with hydrogen to form synthetic methane and water.
Rather than being released into the atmosphere, the CO2 is incorporated into the fuel molecule itself. This means e-SNG can form part of a carbon recycling approach when combined with renewable electricity and appropriate CO2 sources.
Potential CO2 sources include industrial facilities, biomass processing plants, biogas upgrading facilities and direct air capture systems. The origin of the CO2 can have an important impact on the carbon footprint and regulatory classification of the final e-SNG product.
What role does hydrogen play in methanation?
Hydrogen is a critical feedstock in methanation because it reacts with carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide to produce methane.
In e-SNG production, hydrogen is typically generated using renewable electricity through water electrolysis. The availability and cost of renewable hydrogen strongly influence the economics and scalability of e-SNG projects.
Hydrogen quality, process integration and operating conditions can also affect methanation performance and catalyst efficiency. As renewable hydrogen production scales globally, interest in e-SNG and methanation technologies is expected to increase alongside it.
What are the main challenges to scaling e-SNG production?
One of the biggest challenges facing e-SNG production is cost, particularly the cost of renewable hydrogen and electricity. Electrolysis remains energy intensive, and electricity pricing can significantly affect project economics.
Access to suitable CO2 sources is another challenge. Projects must secure reliable and commercially viable sources of captured carbon dioxide while also meeting evolving regulatory and sustainability requirements.
Scaling e-SNG production also requires large amounts of renewable power infrastructure, hydrogen production capacity and supporting policy frameworks. In many regions, long-term incentives and regulatory clarity are still developing.
Despite these challenges, interest in e-SNG continues to grow because it can utilise existing gas infrastructure and support the decarbonisation of sectors where direct electrification may be difficult.
Where are e-SNG projects happening today, and what is driving investment?
e-SNG projects are being explored across Europe, Asia and parts of the Middle East, particularly in regions investing heavily in renewable hydrogen and lower carbon energy infrastructure.
Europe has emerged as a major focus area due to decarbonisation targets, energy security concerns and growing interest in synthetic fuels compatible with existing gas networks. Germany and the Nordic region have been particularly active in developing power-to-gas and e-fuel projects.
Investment is being driven by several factors, including the need to reduce emissions from hard-to-electrify sectors, utilise renewable electricity more effectively and strengthen energy resilience using domestically produced synthetic fuels.
Interest is also increasing because e-SNG can be stored and transported using existing natural gas infrastructure, potentially reducing the need for entirely new energy distribution systems.
