Biogas
Özge Eyice
Mum: Today, granny and I took a bright green bus around the city. It said “biogas bus” on it. What does it mean?
Biogas is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide produced by microorganisms during the decomposition of organic waste, such as sewage sludge, industrial wastewater, food scraps, and animal manure. It can replace fossil fuels for electricity, heating, cooking, and even vehicle fuel, as methane is the main component of natural gas.
Producing biogas reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions but requires strict control since it occurs in oxygen-free environments. The microorganisms involved need specific physical and chemical conditions to grow, making the process complex. Additionally, removing carbon dioxide from biogas improves efficiency but demands careful operation, and transporting biogas, like fossil fuels, adds to its carbon footprint. Despite these challenges, biogas offers significant benefits, contributing to various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).