Center for Biogenic Natural Gas Research

The Center for Biogenic Natural Gas Research (CBNG) exists to develop and commercialize technologies that enhance the production of renewable, clean-burning natural gas in coal seams and other fossil fuel reservoirs using indigenous microorganisms. The Center's primary objective is to add value to Wyoming's vast energy resources by keeping them viable in the energy economy of the future.

Researchers at the CBNG are currently involved in the development of several new and innovative technologies designed to bring economically depleted hydrocarbon reserves back into production and extend their economic life.

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Accomplishments

Research

Faculty

Mission and Goals

Sustainability

The carbon dioxide removal process removes CO₂, supplies renewable energy, and drives economic growth in Wyoming. It supports jobs, funds education, and empowers local communities.

Leveraging Existing Assests

By repurpose existing coal-bed methane wells and infrastructure to minimize new investment requirements, extend asset life, the technology supports income for landowners, defer reclamation costs, and prevent environmental risks from abandoned wells.

Flexible Energy Solutions

The process adapts to changing market needs by optimizing Renewable Natural Gas production and Carbon Intensity (CI) to meet customer requirements.

Technology Commercialization

Stemming from the Center for Biogenic Natural Gas, a spin-off company, Cowboy Clean Fuels, was created to bring the innovative technology developed in the research center to the market. Founded in 2020, Cowboy Clean Fuels converts readily available agricultural byproducts into carbon dioxide and renewable methane using a natural biogenic process in deep geologic coal formations, leveraging existing Coal Bed Methane (CBM) infrastructure in the Powder River Basin.

COWBOY CLEAN FUELS