BIOGAS SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY – Renewable World

Biogas technology

Recycling organic waste for clean cooking energy and fertiliser 

What is a biogas system?

Biogas systems rely on the natural interaction between microorganisms and organic wastes – such as manure, sewage, agricultural by-products, and discarded food – to produce a clean and energy-efficient burnable gas. The gas is distributed through a network of pipes and is used for cooking and heating. This is done in the same way that many of us use natural gas from our local utility provider. With the simple strike of a match and turn of a knob, a family has a safe gas stove courtesy of their friendly neighbourhood microorganisms.

The key difference between natural gas and biogas is that biogas is a renewable source. This means that the system can continue running as long as there is organic waste being added. In comparison, natural gas comes from gas deposits underground, and once used, is gone. Another important difference is that biogas also produces a secondary benefit that natural gas cannot: the creation of free, methane-rich fertiliser as a natural by-product. This can either be sold to make an income or used on farm land to improve crop yields.

Finally, biogas systems can save lives and improve the overall health of households. Because of its efficiency, biogas puts off minimal emissions. This means there is no indoor air pollution or smoke. In comparison, other popular cooking and heating sources in rural communities such as firewood, kerosene, paraffin, and dried animal waste can produce extremely harmful emissions. These emissions, in addition to contributing to climate change, can ultimately lead to serious health complications and premature deaths within families.

Where is a biogas system appropriate?

Biogas systems are appropriate in remote areas that lack commercial energy sources – such as an electricity or natural gas utility providers. They can also be wonderful supplemental energy sources, limiting the amount of commercial electricity consumed. They are most effective in areas where people depend on traditional energy – such as firewood, kerosene, paraffin, or dried animal waste – for their cooking and heating needs. Biogas systems are well suited for areas with large quantities of organic waste, such as communities with livelihoods centred around farming and raising livestock. Biogas systems are also appropriate in urban and semi-urban areas to generate energy from municipal solid waste (i.e. sewage).

Did you know that we have worked alongside communities to install more than 600 biogas systems? In Nepal alone, more than 4,200 people are now using biogas for their daily cooking, heating, and fertiliser production needs. In addition to the health benefits, households have also began tapping into their entrepreneurial spirit! Many families are now using their new biogas systems to set up tea stalls, dairy farms, and candle making businesses.

How does a biogas system really work?

Diagram Description:

– A biogas system comes in many shapes and sizes; however, it always relies on the same basic principle: harnessing the power of microorganisms through a natural process called anaerobic digestion.

– Organic materials are collected from a system of inlet pipes and are then sent to the digester, where it is collected and left for microorganisms to feed on.

– The central element of any biogas system is the digester. This digester is where the breakdown of organic waste is done by microorganisms. It is also where the biogas is produced and stored. The digester is constructed so that there is an absence of oxygen, which allows for anaerobic digestion to take place.

– Over time, the organic waste is broken down in the digester by the microorganisms. This breakdown process involves the microorganisms emitting methane gas and carbon dioxide.

– The methane gas and carbon dioxide is stored in the concrete gas dome. The resulting mix of gases can then be collected and burned as fuel – i.e. biogas.

– The biogas is distributed to homes via gas outlet pipes originating from the gas dome. Inside homes, families have a gas line with a knob to turn the gas on and off on-demand.

– Lastly, after the organic waste has been broken down by the microorganisms, the by-product is pushed out through a different outlet pipe as a rich and productive fertiliser. This fertiliser is stored and can be used by families for agriculture as they need it.

Here is a link to a video that explains the Biogas system in detail. We do not own the rights to the video.

Should you have more questions about biogas technology, our highly experienced field team would be happy to answer them. Contact us at [email protected].

We believe biogas technology is a fantastic renewable energy solution! However, it wouldn’t be sustainable and profitable without the direct involvement, training, and cooperation of communities. This is why we put communities at the centre of our work – working with them from day one to create a long-term vision and management plan. Read how we work alongside communities as hand-in-hand partners.