Both biogas and fossil fuels contain methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that plays a major role in climate change and environmental damage.
So why is biogas often seen as a more sustainable and attractive alternative to fossil fuels?
Let’s dive into the facts and find out why.
What Is Biogas?
Biogas is a form of renewable energy produced through the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms in an oxygen-free (anaerobic) environment, a process known as anaerobic digestion.
Organic materials that can be turned into biogas include:
- Agricultural waste
- Household waste
- Organic-based industrial waste
- Animal manure
During anaerobic digestion, microorganisms break down the organic matter into simpler compounds such as fatty acids. This process ultimately generates methane gas as the main byproduct.
Methane is the primary component of biogas, and it’s what makes this gas usable as an alternative fuel source.
Read More: 7 Impacts of Deforestation That Threaten Our Future
Why Is Biogas Considered Eco-Friendly?
Compared to fossil fuels, biogas is significantly more environmentally friendly. While fossil fuel combustion releases methane and other harmful gases into the atmosphere, biogas offers a cleaner approach.
According to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), biogas can help reduce methane emissions and cut down on air pollution. That’s because biogas systems capture methane that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere and use it as a valuable energy source.
Not only does biogas contribute to slowing down climate change, but it also brings health benefits by reducing pollution exposure, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas.
Here are a few more reasons biogas is considered a sustainable energy solution:
Biogas Comes from Animal Waste
Animal manure is rich in both organic and inorganic compounds, making it a suitable material for biogas production.
After the energy is extracted, the leftover slurry can be used as a natural fertilizer to enrich soil and support plant growth.
Biogas Helps Reduce Pollution
Turning animal waste into biogas minimizes the amount of organic waste that would otherwise contaminate the environment.
This reduces the risk of harmful bacteria growth and diseases that can threaten public health.
Biogas Lowers Greenhouse Gas Emissions
When livestock waste is left untreated, it releases methane directly into the air. By converting it into biogas, we significantly reduce methane emissions, helping mitigate global warming.
Read More: The Potential of LNG as Train Fuel, Is It More Efficient?
What’s the Difference Between Biogas and BioLNG?
Both biogas and BioLNG come from organic waste, but they go through different processing stages.
Biogas is produced through anaerobic digestion and contains around 50–70% methane. The process is fairly simple: organic waste is placed in a sealed reactor and decomposed without oxygen.
BioLNG, on the other hand, is created by purifying and liquefying biogas. First, biogas is cleaned to remove carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other impurities, leaving behind pure biomethane.
This purified gas is then cooled to around -160°C, transforming it into liquefied BioLNG.
Advantages of BioLNG:
- Higher energy density and a liquid form that makes it easier to store and transport
- Greater potential for reducing CO₂ emissions
- Minimal particulate emissions, improving air quality
- More efficient distribution compared to regular biogas
With these advantages, BioLNG has the potential to become a cleaner, more sustainable, and environmentally safe energy solution for the future.
References:
- CCAC. Accessed 2025. Biogas: A Climate and Clean Air Solution with Many Benefits
- U.S. Department of Energy. Accessed 2025. Renewable Natural Gas Production
