The perks of biogas
Natural gas is not considered to be a renewable resource. Biogas, however, is, as it is produced from organic waste. This type of gas is produced either through the use of anaerobic digesters or through decomposing organic waste under anaerobic conditions in a landfill. However, landfill gas is often unintentional and dangerouswhen landfill gas is released into the environment, it becomes explosive and also contributes to global warming.Biogas’s composition is unique and based on the type of anaerobic digestion process. Landfill gas produces average methane concentrations of 50, while advanced treatment processes can create methane concentrations of 75 or higher. The next largest component is carbon dioxide, averaging 25-50. Nitrogen can account for up to 10, while small amounts of hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, and oxygen may also be present. Siloxanes are occasionally produced during anaerobic decomposition. If these compounds are present, silicon is released during the combustion process and can combine with oxygen or other elements to create mineral deposits.When harnessed correctly, biogas can be a useful energy source. Biogas can be used in a combined heat and power gas engine to generate electricity (along with heat to power the anaerobic digester). Compressed biogas can replace compressed natural gas in internal combustion enginesa more effective application for displacing the carbon dioxide in the gas. The methane from biogas can also be concentrated in a biogas upgrader to produce biomethane.While upgrading raw biogas to usable quality adds an additional cost, there are benefits. Biogas is theoretically capable of generating enough electricity to meet 3 of North America’s annual usage, while also reducing climate change by converting organic waste like cow manure into usable energy. Decomposing manure releases nitrous dioxide and methane, two of the most potent contributors to global climate change. Since the resource is renewable, it also helps to preserve precious fossil fuels and thereby reduce natural pollution. It’s estimated that methane biogas could reduce 99 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions (approximately 4).While the percentages associated with biogas usage may be small in the big picture, every little bit counts when helping to protect the environment. Find out if there are any biogas producers in your area, and consider utilizing them for your daily energy needs. As more people become aware of the resource and its potential benefits, we estimate that we’ll see conversion on a much larger scale than we do today. Right now, though, you have a chance to be a part of the future.