Biogas: what is it?

Biogas is a gas released by the materials (mainly waste) during their decomposition, according to a process of fermentation.

This process (also called anaerobic digestion because it mainly produces methane) can be done naturally, in marshes or on landfills. However, the biogas production can also be done by industrial processusing digesters (see video below).

Composition of biogas

Biogas is mainly composed of:

• methane (between 50 and 70%);
• of carbon dioxide.

Depending on the production sources (industrial organic waste, of animal or household origin), it also contains water vapor in variable quantities, Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and other compounds.

Use of biogas

Biogas is a gas combustible. It is therefore energy source and can be used to produce:

• of the heat ;
• electricity ;
• biofuels.

A bit like we do with natural gas. Moreover, after purification, the biogas, which has become biomethane, can be injected into the natural gas in order to bring to it a part ofrenewable energy. However, the technologies of refining biogas are still expensive and need to be optimized.