Volkswagen Puts New Twist on Gas Power

Often shortened to simply 'VW', the Volkswagen car brand has long been a trusted vehicle for motorists across the world. The government has funded a new car on the market that hopes to make bio-efficiency fuel a popular choice for the motorist. Their new car the 'Bio Bug' runs on a rather novel fuel - human waste, in order to create a sustainably powered model.

Some people have chuckled at the idea while others are intrigued by the concept that makes the most of an abundantly available source. The way it works is by converting a VW Beetle into a model that runs on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which is essentially methane stored at high pressure. Previous bio-fuel models have used natural methane gases, but these have been chilled into liquid form as Liquefied Natural Gas which has the added bonus of not needing cumbersome gas storage. Although, with no chilling stage needed, the gas form is more readily available and as a result, is much easier to produce. As natural gas is still a carbon-based fossil fuel it isn't especially green, although if the gases are naturally occurring waste it changes the perspective somewhat.

Gases from the Bio Bug are sourced at the Wessex Water Avonmouth sewage plant, where the gases are refined. Machines called 'digesters' are used to process the gas and excess gases are used to power a surplus of electricity which is transferred on to the National Grid. Excess methane must be burned off as in its raw form it is more damaging than CO2 emissions.

With more and more manufacturers releasing hybrid vehicles to run on gasoline and electric, the Bio Bug is another model that attempts to make driving more eco-friendly and ease the industry's reliance on fossil fuels. Bought and leased Volkswagen vehicles that feature this new gas are set to be a new option for eco-conscious motorists who would like a greener driving experience.