France-headed global gases, technologies, and services provider Air Liquide have built its first biomethane production plant in China. Built for Hangzhou Energy & Environmental Engineering Co., Ltd (HEEE), the plant is located in Xinjiang region, northwest China.

According to a statement, the upgrading facility can produce 1 500 Nm3 of 97 percent pure biomethane per hour from cattle manure and corn stover. The biomethane is supplied to filling stations for natural gas vehicles (NGVs) – China is world’s largest NGV market with around 5 million vehicles.
Using cattle manure and corn stover as feedstock, the project for HEEE has resulted in the most efficient agricultural biogas plant in the country, a fact that has been acknowledged twice by Chinese industrial organizations.
Air Liquide was named “Best Eco-friendly pioneer”, a prize that rewards the best CSR practices among foreign-owned companies; as well as receiving the prize for best innovation from a cooperation between an international group and a Chinese partner, given out by the Chinese petroleum and chemical industry association.