The pros and cons of biogas: Is it the answer to a circular economy

 It appears that obtaining energy from biogas is the ideal solution to two current issues: growing waste and the need to decarbonize quickly in light of rising global temperatures. But what exactly are the advantages of using this method of producing energy? Power Technology examines the benefits and drawbacks of biogas.

Why go with biogas?

Anaerobic digestion, a fermentation process in which waste is digested by microbes to produce methane gas (biogas), is the backbone of biogas plants. Biofertilizer can be made from the waste and spread directly onto fields, and biogas can be used in place of natural gas as a fuel.

Due to its low setup cost and availability of waste materials, biogas may be particularly useful in rural or economically disadvantaged areas. The process can use almost any organic waste, but gas production is affected by pH and temperature.

Germany Power Market it has been cited as a renewable energy alternative with great potential. Biogas plants reduce the greenhouse effect and the amount of harmful gases that are released into the atmosphere by capturing methane emissions.

According to the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association, "anaerobic digestion is able to tackle waste, energy, sustainable food production, and nutrient recycling challenges in a sustainable and circular manner" by linking up and closing the loop on the previously linear processes of sending organic waste to landfills.

Biogas production is also a sustainable method because it uses natural, renewable resources that can be replanted or reproduced.

Enriched organic digestate is the byproduct of the biogas production process. It is an excellent addition to or replacement for chemical fertilizers, which frequently have adverse health effects. The organic digestate, on the other hand, has the potential to accelerate plant growth and disease resistance.

The way to a "circular economy" Biogas, which gets its energy from the fermentation of waste products like food, manure, and sewage, lets people use products after their useful lives are over.

Professor Jerry Murphy, director of the SFI MaREI Centre at the UCC Environmental Research Institute, spoke at this year's International Energy Agency Bioenergy Symposium about his belief that anaerobic digestion is necessary for establishing a successful circular economy.

Murphy stated, "There are so many advantages to a biogas system," including improved water quality, the generation of renewable energy suitable for transportation, heating, or electricity, the treatment of waste, the production of biofertilizer, and the creation of jobs in rural communities. It's the complete package.

It is also simple to implement in domestic settings due to the relatively low cost of the biogas production technology. Home use of small biodigesters that produce methane from kitchen waste and animal manure is possible. Additionally, the produced gas can be utilized for electricity generation and cooking.

Murphy stated, "Biogas is a 'green' sustainable energy vector that has a significant role to play in shifting to a sustainable decarbonized society."

“A bio-factory where value is created from previously wasted materials is the future of the biogas facility; This ensures the environment's long-term viability and offers the community a chance to make money. In the future circular economy, the biogas plant will serve as the hub.

What are some drawbacks?

Biogas may seem like an obvious option in a world that needs to reduce waste and carbon emissions, but it is not perfect.

Since there are no new technologies available to simplify and enhance the biogas generation process, the system is not entirely efficient. Governments are putting their money into more advanced alternatives like wind and solar, so large-scale production for a larger population is not yet possible. Moreover, investments in the sector are not particularly popular.

Additionally, even after refinement and compression, biogas still contains impurities. As a result, if it is used as a biofuel, it may cause vehicle damage by corroding engine metals and raising maintenance costs.

Lastly, not every location is suitable for biogas production. Greater production is impractical in urban areas because it requires a large supply of crop residue or waste manure.