Biogas, often referred to as "Gobar Gas" in India, is a blend of gases generated through the decomposition of
organic matter in the absence of oxygen. Typically, it comprises varying quantities of methane and other
constituents. The raw materials for biogas production include agricultural waste, manure, municipal waste, plant
material, sewage, green waste, or food waste. This renewable energy source is harnessed through anaerobic
digestion, a process facilitated by methanogens or anaerobic organisms.
The closed system where the anaerobic digestion takes place is known as an anaerobic digester, biodigester, or
bioreactor. This system efficiently breaks down organic materials, transforming them into biogas. The process is
eco-friendly and has gained recognition for its positive environmental impact.
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Biogas is primarily methane (CH 4) and carbon dioxide (CO 2) and may have small amounts of hydrogen sulfide (H
2S), moisture and siloxanes. The gases methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide (CO) can be combusted or oxidized
with oxygen. This energy release allows biogas to be used as a fuel; it can be used for any heating purpose,
such as cooking. It can also be used in a gas engine to convert the energy in the gas into electricity and heat.
Biogas can be compressed, the same way as natural gas is compressed to CNG, and used to power motor vehicles. In
the United Kingdom, for example, biogas is estimated to have the potential to replace around 17% of vehicle
fuel. It qualifies for renewable energy subsidies in some parts of the world. Biogas can be cleaned and upgraded
to natural gas standards, when it becomes bio-methane. Biogas is considered to be a renewable resource because
its production-and-use cycle is continuous, and it generates no net carbon dioxide. As the organic material
grows, it is converted and used. It then regrows in a continually repeating cycle. From a carbon perspective, as
much carbon dioxide is absorbed from the atmosphere in the growth of the primary bio-resource as is released,
when the material is ultimately converted to energy.
