By: Jen Doak

 Biogas refers to the gas that is produced by the breakdown of organic matter in the presence of NO oxygen (anaerobic digester)  Produced by the anaerobic digestion of biodegradable waste such as manure, sewage, green waste, plant material.  Biogas consists mostly of methane (50%-80%) & carbon dioxide (20%-50%).  Biogas composed of 65% methane will yield about 600 Btu per cubic foot at low heat value.

 Organic waste is put into a sealed tank called a digester where it is heated. Without oxygen, anaerobic bacteria consume the organic matter and produce biogas and the tanks ensure capturing all the biogas.  Biogas can be produced in landfills where organic food waste degrades in anaerobic conditions.

 Biogas from sewage  Biogas from farms (animal waste to energy)

 Advantages: Renewable, methane is relatively clean burning fuel, low cost, and little impact on environment  Disadvantages: loss of the organic waste for compost or fertilizer

 2004, United States had 50 digesters in operation and 60 being planned  Since, the demand has continued to rise and many digesters have been created and are in planning phases  Seen in many parts of Europe

 Unlike natural gas, biogas is renewable  Does not take long to form  Not costly and little risks attached to biogas  Bio gas is like a cycle:

 9/06/25/biogas-from-sewage-and-landfills- glamorous-no-but-a-renewable-fuel-yes/ 9/06/25/biogas-from-sewage-and-landfills- glamorous-no-but-a-renewable-fuel-yes/  Biogas.html Biogas.html   Background.htm Background.htm  m?id=dallas-hops-on-the-sewage-to-biogas m?id=dallas-hops-on-the-sewage-to-biogas