Reply #2: This has potential for one phase of the transition to all renewables...

[kristopher]

They specify 60% efficiency in "converting power to gas" but that is only part of the equation, however, since it has to be turned back into usable power. Presuming that end is also 60% efficient (overly optimistic IMO) them the final round trip efficiency is only 36%.

The infrastructure is there for both storage and burning of the methane, but the need exists for the infrastructure this team has developed, so there IS infrastructure costs involved.

The deciding factor will be how much other, more efficient storage will cost. Batteries can deliver round trip efficiencies in the 90% range, and pumped hydro, CAES and the new "rock battery" are between 70-80% round trip.

So as fuel costs rise with ratcheting down of carbon costs, there may be a window of opportunity where fuel costs are high enough to justify making some fuel from renewables, in the long run the low efficiency is going to be a killer.