Biogas renewable energy source

What is Biogas ?

Biogas primarily comprises methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) and is produced through anaerobic digestion, which involves the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen, such as food and green waste, offal, organic landfill, manure, and sewage. Biogas is a renewable energy source for heating, electricity generation, and vehicle fuel.

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Biogas in detail

Biogas, in its standard form, leaves the AD plant composed of 50-70% methane (CH₄), 30-50% carbon dioxide (CO₂), 1-5% water vapour (H20), 0-1% Nitrogen (N2), 0-3% Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) and traces of Oxygen (O2Ammonia (NH3) and Volatile Organic compounds (VOCs).

Standard specification:

In its standard form, typically after removing H₂S using a desulphurisation unit, it has a lower calorific value than natural gas but is effectively used in various applications:

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems generate electricity and heat simultaneously by combusting methane from biogas in specialized engines or turbines. This process achieves 80-90% efficiency, maximizing energy use and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It is used in industrial plants, waste treatment facilities, and farms.

Boilers can utilize Biogas directly for heating, especially in facilities like farms or waste treatment plants where it is readily available. This practice reduces dependence on conventional fuels, lowers energy costs, and decreases carbon footprints. Biogas is particularly suitable for locations with continuous thermal needs, such as greenhouses and food processing plants.

Flares burn off excess biogas in a controlled process that the facility cannot use. Flaring converts methane into carbon dioxide, reducing its greenhouse gas impact. This practice mitigates environmental risks

Upgraded specification:

Biogas is capable of being upgraded to increase its versatility and calorific value by removing the CO₂ content with a Biogas Scrubber that removes the H₂S. This CO₂ removal process enhances the methane concentration in the gas, typically raising it to around 95-98%, which creates a high purity biomethane. This upgraded biomethane resembles conventional natural gas used in various expanded applications:

Injection into Natural Gas Grids: Biomethane can be injected directly into existing natural gas pipelines, where it becomes part of the general gas supply. Enables residential, commercial, and industrial users to benefit from renewable gas without changing their infrastructure. Integrating biomethane into the natural gas grid helps reduce fossil fuel dependence and promotes a more sustainable energy system on a large scale.

Vehicle Fuel: Biomethane can be compressed or liquefied as a clean, renewable vehicle fuel. Often referred to as compressed biomethane (CBM) or liquefied biomethane (LBM), it serves as a low-emission alternative to diesel or gasoline. This application is prevalent in public transportation, waste collection fleets, and freight transport, where biomethane helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, contributing to cleaner air in urban areas.

In summary, biogas offers a flexible and sustainable energy solution with applications across power generation, heating, emission control, and upgraded gas uses. By upgrading to biomethane, biogas can be expanded to additional high-demand energy markets, reinforcing its role in transitioning to a low-carbon energy future.

In summary, biogas offers a flexible and sustainable energy solution with applications across power generation, heating, emission control, and upgraded gas uses. By upgrading to biomethane, biogas can be expanded to additional high-demand energy markets, reinforcing its role in transitioning to a low-carbon energy future.

Biogas Flame

Biogas equipment

SMG Industries

For most requirements.

Combined Heat & Power Unit (CHP) Biogas

These advanced units convert organic waste into renewable energy. They generate both electricity and heat, in the form of hot water, from the combustion of biogas, maximising energy efficiency.

Biogas desulphurisation scrubbers

These units remove sulphur compounds, particularly hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), from gases produced in various processes, including biogas production. They prevent equipment corrosion and mitigate environmental impacts associated with sulphur emissions.

Battery storage & inverters

Battery storage systems help manage the intermittent nature of biogas production by storing excess energy generated when production exceeds demand.
Inverters convert the stored energy for use in the electrical grid or local applications, providing a more stable and reliable energy supply.

More information

Understanding carbon neutrality in Biogas

Carbon neutrality in biogas is the principle that the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted during biogas combustion is approximately equal to the CO₂ absorbed by plants during their growth, contributing to the carbon cycle. Additionally, this process helps reduce methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas – this is explained further under the heading “Greenhouse gas emissions.”

Animal-derived products are part of the carbon cycle. The feed consumed by animals is cultivated from carbon-absorbing plants, linking their digestion and subsequent waste to the carbon cycle. This connection highlights the importance of sustainable practices in managing plant and animal waste to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmental health.

Biogas renewable energy source

Biogas benefits

Efficient Process

Biogas renewable energy source

Greenhouse gas emissions

No waste decomposition: Biogas production significantly reduces the risk of greenhouse gas emissions by capturing methane that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere during the natural decomposition of organic waste.

Methane: Biogas production is crucial in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, mainly by reducing methane emissions. Methane (CH₄) is a significantly more potent greenhouse gas than CO₂, with a global warming potential many times more significant over a short time frame.

High-level gas production

Anaerobic Digestion (AD)
Anaerobic digestion is a well-established method for producing biogas. This process utilises microorganisms to break down organic material in an environment devoid of oxygen.
Gas Yields
The typical methane content in biogas ranges from 50% to 70%, depending on the type of organic material used and the specific conditions during digestion.
Pathogen Reduction
Anaerobic digestion effectively reduces pathogens due to the favourable conditions within the digester, including elevated temperatures and a lack of oxygen. This method is often preferred over composting when it comes to pathogen control, particularly for materials such as offal.

Environmentally sound

Biogas renewable energy source

Renewable energy

 As businesses confront the dual challenges of increasing waste generation and the need for sustainable practices, the significance of effective biogas production is more critical than ever. This method mitigates the environmental impact of organic waste and enhances renewable energy production, positioning it as a vital element of a sustainable and eco-friendly energy future.

No landfill

Biogas production eliminates the need for organic matter to go to landfills, as the byproduct (digestate) after the process is a nutrient-rich fertiliser ready for land application. Additionally, the digestate can be further processed to reduce its bulk and smell and enhance its value as a fertiliser by capturing volatile ammonia, which would otherwise escape into the atmosphere, improving nutrient retention and reducing environmental impact.

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