Each year, a cow produces approximately 100 to 200 kg of methane through enteric fermentation, equivalent to about 150 to 250 m³ of gas. Given that one cubic meter of methane equals 10 kWh of energy, a single cow can potentially generate 1,500 to 2,500 kWh per year—the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of a small household, excluding heating.
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In a world searching for alternatives to fossil fuels, CloudGas—a pioneering company in agricultural renewable energy—has developed a groundbreaking technology: the capture and liquefaction of bovine methane through an autonomous aerial system.
A Revolutionary Concept
In a world striving for renewable energy sources, a new kind of farm transforms cattle methane emissions into a valuable resource. This cutting-edge agricultural facility captures methane directly from cows through a suspended collection system.
Aerial Methane Harvesting
Each cow is equipped with a biomechanical harness connected to a tethered balloon floating above it. Inflated by the methane emitted during digestion, the balloon remains aloft thanks to the buoyant force of the light gas. Once it reaches a certain fill level, it is automatically routed by a fleet of autonomous airships to an outdoor cryogenic silo.
The Cryogenic Silo and Its Bluish Fog
The silo, a massive cylindrical structure, functions as a liquefaction plant. It draws in the methane from the balloons and cools it to -162°C, turning it into liquid methane. This process generates a thick bluish fog around the silo, caused by condensation and frost forming in the extreme cold.
Autonomous Drone Distribution
Autonomous cargo drones regularly come to refuel. Each is equipped with one to three cryogenic tanks, which they fill by docking with mechanical arms attached to the silo. Once fully loaded, they take off toward their destinations:
Urban heating units (UHU), supplying district heating systems.
Methane fueling stations, for vehicles running on LNG (liquefied natural gas).
Factories, using methane as an energy source for their operations.
A Sustainable Energy Cycle
This farm-plant hybrid presents a futuristic vision of energy production:
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by capturing methane before it escapes into the atmosphere.
Using drones and floating balloons to minimize ground infrastructure and limit environmental impact.
Achieving energy autonomy by directly linking livestock to methane-consuming infrastructures.
In this model, each cow becomes a micro power plant, harvested with maximum efficiency and minimal geographical constraint. An innovation that bridges the gap between livestock farming and ecology!
