In recent years, the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has driven the search for cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. One of the most promising alternatives is biogas, a renewable resource with clear potential to help drive industrial decarbonisation. This article explores what biogas is, how it is produced, how it differs from biomethane, its applications in industry and mobility, and how it benefits companies in the energy transition.
What is biogas, and how is it produced?
Biogas is a mixture of gases produced by the anaerobic (oxygen-free) decomposition of organic matter such as agricultural residues, manure, food waste, and wastewater. This process takes place in anaerobic digesters, where micro-organisms break down organic matter to produce methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), the main components of biogas.
This process is essentially a closed cycle in which organic waste is transformed into energy, making biogas both a renewable energy source and an effective waste management solution. In addition to methane and carbon dioxide, biogas also contains traces of other gases such as hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen, and oxygen.
Biogas is generated in specialised plants that capture the gas produced during the decomposition of organic materials. These plants can use local waste, which makes them an attractive alternative for decentralised and sustainable energy production.
Differences between biogas and biomethane
Although biogas and biomethane come from the same source, there is one key difference: biomethane is a purified version of biogas. Biogas contains impurities that must be removed for the gas to be suitable for use in industrial and mobility applications.
Biogas
Raw biogas, as produced in anaerobic digesters, can contain 50–70% methane, with the remainder made up of carbon dioxide and other gases. This mixture is not suitable for all industrial uses and must be treated before it can be used effectively.
Biomethane
Biomethane is produced through a purification process applied to biogas in which carbon dioxide and other unwanted compounds are removed. The resulting gas contains a high proportion of methane (over 95%), making it equivalent to conventional natural gas. Biomethane is comparable to natural gas in terms of quality and can be injected into gas networks, used as a vehicle fuel, or employed in industrial processes.
Applications of biogas in industry and mobility
Biogas has a range of applications in both industry and mobility. Here we explore some of the most relevant ones:
Electricity and heat generation
One of the main applications of biogas is the generation of electricity and heat. Biogas plants use power generators to convert methane into electricity. This electricity can be used to supply industrial facilities or even be fed into the electricity grid.
Biogas can also be used in cogeneration systems, simultaneously producing electricity and usable heat for industrial processes, thereby improving energy efficiency.
Sustainable mobility
Biogas can serve as a fuel for vehicles adapted for this purpose, replacing natural gas or even fossil fuels. Biomethane, once purified, is a viable option for lorries, buses, and other heavy vehicles, helping to cut emissions in the transport sector.
Chemical industry and industrial processes
Biogas is also used across multiple industries to supply thermal processes or to manufacture chemical products. The methane contained in biogas is a key component in the manufacture of products such as fertilisers, pharmaceuticals, and plastics.
Benefits of biogas for companies and industries
Using biogas provides significant advantages for companies, particularly those in industrial sectors seeking to cut carbon emissions and improve their sustainability. Some of the key benefits include:
Reduced energy costs
Biogas provides a local, renewable energy source, allowing companies to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and on electricity drawn from the grid. This translates into lower operating costs, especially for energy-intensive industries.
Compliance with environmental regulations
Environmental regulations are increasingly obliging companies to cut their greenhouse gas emissions. Biogas can help companies meet these requirements by offering a cleaner energy source, which is particularly advantageous in sectors such as food production, agriculture, and waste treatment.
Added value from waste
By converting organic waste into biogas, companies create added value from materials that would otherwise go to landfill. This improves the efficiency of waste management while also supporting the circular economy.
Sustainability and corporate reputation
Using biogas in business operations helps make the company more sustainable, which can in turn enhance its corporate reputation. As consumers and investors are increasingly interested in sustainable practices, adopting clean technologies such as biogas can provide a competitive advantage.
The role of biogas in the energy transition
Biogas has a crucial role to play in the energy transition towards a more sustainable future. As a renewable energy source, biogas reduces greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to the global goal of decarbonising the industrial and transport sectors. Furthermore, as a local energy source, biogas can reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, strengthening energy security.
In the context of the energy transition, biogas also helps integrate intermittent renewable energies such as solar and wind by providing a stable energy source that can counterbalance the variability of these sources.
Biogas is a renewable energy source with enormous potential to drive industrial decarbonisation and contribute to the energy transition. Its applications in power generation, mobility, and the chemical industry make it a versatile and beneficial solution for companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. By opting for biogas, industries not only improve their sustainability but also position themselves as leaders in the uptake of clean, efficient energy solutions.