Biogas is a renewable energy source with great potential for sustainability. It is generated through the bacterial decomposition of organic matter in an oxygen-free environment. Its main component is methane (CH₄), making it a clean and versatile fuel.
What is Biogas? Production, Uses, and Benefits
Biogas is a renewable energy source with great potential for sustainability. It is generated through the bacterial decomposition of organic matter in an oxygen-free environment. Its main component is methane (CH₄), making it a clean and versatile fuel.
In this article, you'll learn:
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How biogas is produced
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What raw materials are used
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The main uses of biogas
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Its environmental and social advantages
What is Biogas Made Of?
Biogas is not a single gas but a mixture of gases, primarily composed of methane (CH₄), which provides its combustible properties, and carbon dioxide (CO₂). This gas mix is the result of the anaerobic digestion of organic matter, carried out by microorganisms in oxygen-free environments.
Typical biogas composition:
|
Component |
Percentage (%) |
|
Methane (CH₄) |
50 – 70 |
|
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) |
30 – 50 |
|
Water vapor (H₂O) |
0 – 10 |
|
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) |
0 – 3 |
|
Other trace gases |
< 2 |
What Raw Materials Are Used?
Biogas can be produced from various types of biomass, making it a flexible and sustainable source of energy. Key feedstocks include:
|
Category |
Example Waste Streams |
|
Agricultural waste |
Manure, crop residues |
|
Agro-industrial residues |
Bagasse, fruit pulp, whey, organic effluents |
|
Urban organic waste |
Food scraps, kitchen waste, sewage |
|
Sludge from treatment plants |
Activated sludge |
|
Energy crops |
Silage maize, sorghum, grasses |
How is Biogas Produced?
The core process is anaerobic digestion, which takes place in a sealed, controlled digester without oxygen. The system maintains the optimal temperature for the activity of different groups of microorganisms across four main phases:
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Hydrolysis – Macromolecules (fats, proteins, carbohydrates) break down into simpler compounds.
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Acidogenesis – Formation of fatty acids and alcohols.
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Acetogenesis – Conversion of these products into acetic acid.
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Methanogenesis – Generation of methane and carbon dioxide.
Key Components in a Biogas System
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Digester (Reactor)
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Hermetically sealed tank where anaerobic digestion occurs
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Made of steel, concrete, or other resistant materials
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Designed to keep oxygen out
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Feeding System
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Introduces raw material into the digester
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Can operate continuously or in batches
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Mixing System
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Keeps the substrate evenly mixed
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Enhances contact between microbes and organic matter
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Heating System
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Maintains a stable internal temperature
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Crucial for microbial activity
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Digestate Extraction
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Removes liquid and solid material after digestion
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Gas Storage Tank
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Stores biogas before its use or further treatment
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Control and Monitoring Systems
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Sensors for pH, temperature, gas volume, pressure, etc.
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Ensure safe and efficient operations
What Can Biogas Be Used For?
|
Application |
Description |
|
Electricity generation |
Via combustion engines or microturbines |
|
Heating & cooking |
In adapted boilers or stoves |
|
Transportation |
As biomethane (after purification) |
|
Injection into gas grid |
As biomethane (after CO₂ removal) |
Environmental and Social Benefits
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Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
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Reuse of environmental liabilities
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Less contamination of soil and water
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Decentralized renewable energy
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Valorization of organic waste
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Generation of local employment
Want to Use Biogas in Your Company?
At Bioeléctrica, we provide end-to-end renewable energy solutions by developing biogas projects that transform organic waste, agro-industrial effluents, and environmental liabilities into clean energy.
We support our clients at every stage — from planning to operations — with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
📩 Contact us: info@bioelectrica.com