Combustion of Methane
Q. Which of the following is/are true?
1) Burning methane as fuel converts it into carbon dioxide.
2) Combustion of methane, however is more CO2 efficient than that of any other hydrocarbon.- Published on 10 Jun 16a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. None of the above
ANSWER: Both 1 and 2
- Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Methane released from gas hydrate may therefore play a significant role in climate change.
- It is important to distinguish between the climate change aspects of methane released naturally from gas hydrates and those of methane produced from gas hydrates for energy use.
- By burning methane or using it in fuel cells, the methane is converted to carbon dioxide, just like burning coal or oil.
- Combustion of methane, however is more carbon dioxide efficient than that of any other hydrocarbon, e.g., twice as efficient as burning coal. Hence, using methane from gas hydrate as an energy resource would be, compared to other hydrocarbons, relatively climate friendly.
- This is the reason why natural gas is considered a cleaner fuel.
