More cities and countries are installing biogas plants to convert organic waste into energy. Biogas production worldwide continues to increase due to the many advantages of biogas compared to other more wasteful energy sources. There are many reasons to pursue renewable energy, such as biogas, as it reduces our environmental impact and minimizes what we contribute to our finite landfill space on Earth.
Here are the advantages of biogas worth remembering.
Advantage #1: It’s Not New Technology
Biogas was conceptualized hundreds of years ago in ancient Persia. They used decomposing plant matter to produce flammable gas. Biogas was functioning in India by the 1850s and was used to light up street lamps throughout the UK by the 1890s. This is not new technology and has been thoroughly tested over time, proving efficient and effective.
Advantage #2: Biogas Material Is Infinite
Biogas can be made from various kinds of organic waste. As we as a species are always creating this kind of waste, in addition to the environment naturally producing it, biogas material is infinite and renewable.
Advantage #3: Raw Materials Are Everywhere
The raw materials for biogas can be found anywhere in the world, including manure, food scraps, crop residue, trees, and vegetation.
Advantage #4: Reduce Energy Costs Nationwide
Every region is at the mercy of the price of oil when it comes to energy and electricity. Biogas can help significantly reduce electricity bills at not only a household level but a regional level as well. This is what’s caused exploding interest in biogas in India, China, Nepal, and other countries.
Advantage #5: You Prevent Greenhouse Gas Emission
Organic waste that is eligible for biogas processing left alone will naturally release carbon dioxide into the air and methane gas into the atmosphere. When you set up a biogas plant and use this organic waste, you’re saving these greenhouse gas emissions from being created in the first place.
Advantage #6: Cut Regional Reliance On Fossil Fuels
A lot of regions are looking at how to become self-sufficient. In areas where fossil fuels are non-existent or expensive, biogas may be the alternative these areas seek. Biogas generation doesn’t involve oil, coal, or nuclear materials, and plants can be built more or less anywhere.
Advantage #7: It’s Cheap To Make
Making a biogas plant is not expensive. They are easy to install and require little investment, perfect for areas without a large budget for waste management or environmentally sustainable record-keeping.
Advantage #8: Improve Waste Collection
While biogas is being produced, studies have found that biogas plants improve waste collection and management. This results in higher recycling rates, less waste sent to landfill, cleaner water, and more.
Advantage #9: Biogas Is A Clean Source Of Energy
When you use biogas, it is a lot cleaner than other types of energy. The by-products of biogas are also renewable, making it one of the most eco-friendly fuel sources there is.
Advantage #10: You Can Use Biogas Energy For Anything
Biogas energy can be used to cook, for general electricity needs, and more. Any home can install its system, make use of its waste, and ultimately produce for themselves high-quality energy that replenishes with the more waste that is entered into the chain.
Advantage #11: It Is A Zero Emission Fuel
No combustion takes place in making or using biogas. No greenhouse gases are produced. You’re repurposing waste and converting it into energy in a non-polluting manner.
Advantage #12: Biogas Can Power Farms
Farms and rural properties can produce a lot of waste. They also have the space for a biogas facility. Convert livestock waste products to the energy needed to run the property and make significant headway towards ending up with a zero waste property.
Advantage #13: Remove Waste From Landfills
Take organic waste out of landfills. In biogas, there is still utility to get from organic waste instead of sending it to rot in landfills which should only be used as a last resort for materials that are not recyclable. However, Organic waste can be recycled into biogas and given another use.
Advantage #14: Organic Fertilizer Is A By-Product
Enriched organic digestate is the largest by-product in the making of biogas. It is a natural, organic substitute for chemical-based fertilizers. Using this digestate, one can accelerate plant growth and resilience to diseases without toxins.
Advantage #15: Biogas Creates Green Jobs
The biggest biogas plants are being set up in India and China. Millions of jobs have been created, predominantly in rural areas where more jobs are needed. This supports the global eco-friendly, sustainable, green economy.
Advantage #16: Biogas Can Be Upgraded To Natural Gas Standards
Lastly, biogas can be purified and upgraded to national gas standards. This involves converting it to biofuel or biomethane. This way, biogas can power automobiles and be applied in other ways that necessitate a purer product than all-natural biogas.