Biogas is a renewable energy source generated through anaerobic digestion, distinguishing it from natural gas produced via geological processes. Comprising primarily 40-70% methane and 30-60% carbon dioxide, with trace amounts of nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide, biogas is found in various natural settings. It can also be produced in controlled environments using anaerobic digesters.

A wide range of biodegradable organic materials can be utilized for biogas production, with common feedstocks including manure, sewage sludge, municipal waste, agricultural waste, and energy crops.

Biogas Production Stages:

1. Hydrolysis
2. Acidification
3. Methanogenesis

Hydrolysis involves the enzymatic breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, converting complex carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids into shorter components like monosaccharides, peptides, and amino acids.

Acidification, the second step, sees acid-producing bacteria transform intermediates into acetic acid, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. These bacteria thrive in acid conditions and create an anaerobic environment crucial for methane production.

Methane-producing bacteria, involved in the third step (Methanogenesis), decompose compounds with a low molecular weight, utilizing hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and acetic acid to generate methane and carbon dioxide.

The thermal value of 1 m3 of biogas ranges from 4,700-5,700 kcal/m3. To put it in perspective:

• 1 m3 of biogas equals 0.62 liters of kerosene.
• 1 m3 of biogas is equivalent to 1.46 kg of charcoal.
• 1 m3 of biogas represents 3.47 kg of wood.
• And more corresponding values are provided for different fuels and energy sources.

Please feel free to get in touch if you’d like to discuss further details or have any questions about biogas production.