Methane (CH₄) is a colorless and odorless, non-toxic, highly flammable gas. It burns to carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water: CH₄ + 2O₂ -> CO₂ + 2H₂O.
Methane is created during anaerobic treatment of raw sludge in digesters (under exclusion of air). The organic substances in the sludge are converted with the help of anaerobic bacteria into a gas mixture, which consists of about 65% methane gas (CH₄) and 35% carbon dioxide (CO₂) as well as traces of hydrogen and sulfur (<1% each). Methane is a high-quality energy source and at the same time a much stronger greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide (about 25 times).

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