ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Electromethanogenesis

Electromethanogenesis is a process where tiny living creatures called microbes can convert electricity and carbon dioxide into methane gas. These tiny creatures are called archaea and they live in the soil, water, and even in the human gut.

Think about these archaea like special little factories that use electricity as their energy source, just like how we use batteries to power our toys. However, instead of producing light or sound, these microbes can produce methane gas as a result of their special metabolic process.

So, when we provide these archaea with the right conditions such as a source of electricity and carbon dioxide, they can start to produce methane gas. This process is pretty cool because it allows us to create a renewable form of energy by using waste products like carbon dioxide to produce methane gas.

Overall, while it may sound complex, electromethanogenesis simply explains how tiny microbes can use electricity and carbon dioxide to produce a useful form of energy.