Learn How Biogas Works and Its Everyday Benefits

A renewable energy and environmentally friendly source that is produced via the breakdown of animal wastes, food scraps, and other organic matter is biogas. Biogas can be intentionally created or occur naturally. 

Updated On - 05 Sep 2025

Currently, India is the third-largest energy consumer in the world. Using biogas can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve waste management, and lower energy costs.

Production of Biogas

When oxygen is not present, organic matter like animal waste or food is broken down using microorganisms to produce biogas. The process where biogas is produced is called anaerobic digestion. Biogas can be intentionally produced as fuel or may occur naturally.

Different Waste that can be Used to Produce Biogas

The different waste that can be used to create biogas are mentioned below:

  1. Sewage
  1. Food waste
  1. Plant material
  1. Municipal rubbish
  1. Animal manure

Different Gases in Biogas

The different gases that are present in biogas are mentioned below: 

  1. Methane
  1. Carbon dioxide
  1. Hydrogen sulphide
  1. Siloxanes
  1. Moisture

Uses of Biogas

The different uses of biogas are given below:

  1. Natural gas replacement
  1. Fuel for vehicles

Advantages of Biogas

The main advantages of biogas are mentioned below:

  1. Healthy alternative for cooking
  1. It is cheap to produce biogas
  1. Organic fertilizer can be produced by biogas generation
  1. Soil and water pollution can be reduced by biogas generation
  1. It is eco-friendly
  1. Renewable energy source
  1. Greenhouse gas reduction
  1. Waste management
  1. Landfill emissions can be reduced
  1. Odours can be reduced
  1. Health can be improved as air pollution will be low

Disadvantages of Biogas

The main disadvantages of biogas are mentioned below: 

  1. Not very suitable in metropolitan areas that are dense
  1. Weather can affect the production of biogas
  1. Impurities are present
  1. Technological advancements are less

Fascinating Facts about Biogas

Some facts about biogas are given below:

  1. Not a New Discovery: Fermentation of organic matter via the anaerobic process has been happening for years. This has been happening before fossil fuels. The process that happens today where organic waste is converted to energy is to ensure it is completed faster.
  1. Biomass and Biogas: Even though both are biofuels, there are several differences between the two. Biomass is an organic and solid material. Both biomass and biogas can be used to produce energy.
  1. Different Names: The different names of biogas are swamp gas, compost gas, sewer gas, marsh gas, and biomethane.

Future of Biogas in India

Several initiatives have been implemented by the Indian Government to promote biogas due to its potential. The production potential of CBG in India may be 62 million metric tonnes. 

When the 2023-2024 Union Budget was announced, Rs.10,000 crore was allocated by the government so that 200 CBG plants and 300 cluster and community-based plants can be established. For the process of CBG projects to be implemented quickly, several initiatives such as the SATAT policy have been introduced. 

It is vital to invest in infrastructure and improve technology to know the full potential of biogas. Biogas production can be scaled up with the help of community involvement and public-private partnerships. 

Biogas can provide a solution to the energy challenges that are faced in India by providing social benefits, environmental benefits, reducing energy costs, and reducing fossil fuel dependency. Biogas can also help in environmental sustainability, economic stability, and energy security.

FAQs on Biogas and Its Everyday Benefits

  • Can a biogas plant be connected to Latrine?

    Yes, a biogas plant can be connected to Latrine as it provides more methane. 

  • What does biogas consist of?

    Carbon dioxide, methane, Ammonia Hydrogen Sulphide, and moisture are the main components of biogas. 

  • What are the various uses of biogas?

    Biogas can be used for running engines, lighting, and cooking. 

  • What are the various kinds of waste that produce biogas?

    The different types of waste that produce biogas are distillery waste, brewery waste, dairy waste, meat packing waste, vegetable and fruit waste, animal slurry, and manure. 

  • What is the calorific value of biogas?

    The calorific value of biogas is 4,500 – 5,000 K.Cal/m3.  

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