Biogas is a combustible mixture of gasses consisting mainly of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO). It is formed by the anaerobic bacterial decomposition of organic compounds such as sludge, agricultural or livestock biomass, plant by-products, and organic waste. The transformation process takes place in the absence of oxygen: the gasses formed are the waste products of the respiration of decomposing microorganisms.
The future role of biogas in sustainable energy supply is both distinct and flexible, as it can be used as a renewable source of electricity and heat when needed or can be stored. In addition, it is suitable for a variety of applications: it can be used directly for cooking and lighting, for combined heat and power generation, or to make both biomethane and biodiesel.
According to experts, its increased use will help reduce the use of fossil fuels and thus reduce CO2 emissions. Thus, although estimated values vary between studies, the potential for producing biogas from biomass is enormous.
Natural gas is a naturally gaseous hydrocarbon mixture that forms beneath the earth's surface and is composed of 97-98% methane and the remaining 2-3% other numerous gasses such as nitrogen, helium, methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide.
Compared to biogas, with which it is often confused, natural gas does have a similar composition but a very different origin and residual CO2 emission (35 percent versus 1 percent for biogas). In fact, to be extracted, it requires drilling, thus very high infrastructure costs. In addition, its combustion results in the production of a large amount of carbon dioxide that adversely affects the greenhouse effect, although in much smaller quantities than traditional fossil fuels such as coal and oil.
Worldwide interest in renewable energy sources is picking up: biogas production is steadily growing, and more and more people are deciding to install biogas production plants. In fact, there are numerous advantages of its use:
There are also some limitations to biogas technology:
In general, biogas plants and systems turn the cost of managing biomass and/or waste into a revenue opportunity for farms, livestock farms, dairies, and industries. Converting waste into electricity, heat or vehicle fuel provides a renewable energy source that can reduce dependence on foreign oil imports, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve environmental quality and increase local jobs. Biogas systems also provide an opportunity to recycle production waste, reducing the need for petrochemical and mining fertilizers.
Idro Group specializes in the design and construction of biogas plants for energy creation and environmental protection; it can also create customized solutions to meet any specific customer requirements.
If you would like more information about biogas plants or if you would like to schedule a cognitive meeting with Idro Group staff, please fill out the form in the contact section. We will get back to you as soon as possible!