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Renewable and sustainable energy
for the future
Renewable energy
Carbon
neutral
Cost
effective
What is Biogas?
Biogas is a gaseous fuel, containing methane, produced by the fermentation of organic matter. It is a source of sustainable and renewable energy that occurs naturally through the process of anaerobic digestion whereby microorganisms in the absence of oxygen convert organic wastes into biogas and liquid fertiliser.
The biogas is recovered and is most efficiently used directly for cooking or lighting.
If there is enough biogas it can be transformed into any kind of electrical, thermal or mechanical energy.
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The other major product is the nutrient rich digestate, very low in organic matter, which can be applied directly into the soil as a liquid fertiliser or mixed with other raw materials for compost.
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Composition
Biogas is a mixture primarily of methane, as well as carbon dioxide, and contains trace gases such as hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen, and oxygen. The exact composition and amount of each gas in the mixture depends on the kinds of organic matter being digested; as well as digestion conditions.
Broader effects of Biogas
Apart from waste management, the production of energy and digestate biogas solutions also brings several other broader side effects. The use of biogas generators often have positive effects on the local environment and economy. They also contribute to increased profitability in several other sectors. Biogas is one great solution for the development of an innovative and sustainable bioeconomy.
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In rural areas biogas has positive health benefits for its residents. There is less animal waste and odor. Disease agents resulting in illnesses to residents also dissipates.
Biogas composition (%)
Biogas generators spare women and children from the ongoing task of firewood collection. As a result, more time is left over for other tasks. More importantly, cooking on a gas stove, as opposed to over an open fire, prevents the family from being exposed to smoke when cooking, helping to prevent deadly respiratory diseases. Sadly, 4.3 million people a year die prematurely from illness attributable to the household air pollution caused by the inefficient use of solid fuels for cooking.
Community benefits
Biogas is a sustainable, renewable, clean, source of energy. Biogas generated through biodigestion actually reduces greenhouse emissions. The process does not require combustion, so there are no emissions of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.
Biogas plants lower methane emissions by capturing the methane gas and using it as fuel.
In addition, the raw materials used in the production of biogas are renewable, which makes it a highly sustainable option.
Environmental benefits