Biogas is a fuel gas made from decomposing organic materials. It is a combustible gas composed of methane and carbon dioxide. Bacteria that break down organic matter in an oxygen-depleted environment, such as manure, plant crops, sewage, green waste, and garbage, are responsible for producing it. Anaerobic digestion breaks down organic matter without oxygen through digestion.
The digester is a big tank where this happens. Microbes within the digester break down the organic waste into biogas. It can be made through the fermentation of biodegradable waste or anaerobic digestion by bacteria that do not require oxygen. Hydrogen, water, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen, and ammonia are all present in trace amounts in this sustainable energy source. The energy released during the oxidation of gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane with oxygen enables its use as fuel.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of biogas.
Unlike most energy sources, biogas is both renewable and non-renewable.
Advantages:
- Eco-friendly:
Since no combustion occurs during production, it is an environmentally friendly energy source. Consequently, greenhouse gases will not be released into the air. Accordingly, it can mitigate climate change to a certain degree when used as an energy source. While fossil fuel combustion produces far more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, producing biogas from organic waste releases some carbon dioxide into the air.
It is a sustainable energy source since the ingredients are always in supply. It doesn’t need energy during generation, which is another advantage. Its production is an all-natural process, which is another advantage. Methane gas, a major contributor to the greenhouse effect, can be captured and utilized as fuel in biogas plants. The broad use of the gas can be attributed, in large part, to people’s environmental awareness.
- Reducing pollution of soil and water
Landfills receive almost 3.5 million tons of trash daily. In addition to polluting groundwater sources, these landfills often release an offensive odor. Reduced landfill waste is a direct result of its production from organic waste segregation. This could enhance soil and water quality.
Anaerobic digestion produces biogas since it does not use oxygen. It also removes parasites and other harmful microbes, decreasing the occurrence of numerous water-borne diseases caused by parasites and other pathogens. Likewise, biogas plants ensure efficient waste collection and management, making them less prone to organic waste pollution. Gathering organic waste from landfills and turning it into biogas can reduce soil and water contamination.
- Low investment
In addition to lowering your gas and power bills, biogas plants can increase soil fertility through organic manure production. You can set up a biogas plant by investing little to no money. It is possible to generate the quantity needed for cooking and powering appliances using a small food waste treatment system that runs on animal and kitchen waste. You can put less money into a plant because the ingredients necessary to make it are free. A biogas plant can be an excellent investment for any home or facility with access to organic waste.
- Job creation
Many countries now have plenty of job openings because of the biogas industry. Collecting raw materials and generating this fuel employ a large workforce.
- Cost-effective
Producing biogas is economical. You can set it up on a small scale with minimal investment. Domestic biogas plants can use free raw materials from waste products generated by everyday activities. One way to cut down on the expense of production is to use the gas for cooking and power generation directly.
- Healthy cooking alternatives
In addition to being cost-effective, it is a healthy cooking option. Particularly in rural regions, this helps children and women accustomed to collecting firewood. Using a gas stove is inherently healthier than cooking over an open fire.
- Generates organic manure
The organic manure produced is an ideal fertilizer for plants and crops. Chemical fertilizers pose a variety of risks to plants and crops; this organic manure is a perfect alternative. They do more than just hurt plants; they contaminate groundwater and crops with chemical burns. The production of biogas results in the acquisition of natural organic manure. This helps stimulate plant growth and protects it from certain diseases.
- Reduces the use of fossil fuels
Increasing biogas usage can significantly decrease the consumption of fossil fuels such as coal, gas, and oil. Because of their heavy investments in and expansion of biogas plants, countries like China and India have benefited even more.
- Waste use
Biogas generation is a great way to recycle organic waste materials and convert them into usable energy. Additionally, it reduces the issue of inappropriate trash disposal and the harmful effects of waste on landfills. Converting waste into energy can provide fertilizers, heat, and electricity.
Disadvantages
- Contains contaminants
Biogas retains contaminants even after refinement and compression. The produced biofuel has the potential to eat away at the engine’s metal components if used to power vehicles. The maintenance expenses would rise due to this deterioration. Lamps, water boilers, and kitchen stoves benefit from the gaseous mixture.
- Unable to meet demand
Due to its inexpensive price, biogas is much sought after. However, current technology is inefficient, so we have to produce more of everything to satisfy demand. Governments in most nations are hesitant to increase funding for production facilities.
- Unsuitable for all areas
Wherever raw materials are abundant, biogas can be produced. Typically, these may be found in more remote places, so biogas plants can only be reasonably located there.
- Unstable and dangerous
Methane violently reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide. Due to its extremely combustible nature, explosions can occur.
- Affected by weather
Temperature has an impact on biogas, like most renewable energy sources. Warm temperatures are perfect for bacterial action, so setting up a plant in chilly climates is difficult.
Conclusion
Biogas, like any other renewable energy source, has pros and cons. Despite certain negative aspects, it is a great renewable energy source with many promising applications. Researching the various generation technologies and locating a biogas company are simple tasks.