Types of Renewable Energy

Biogas Energy

Any biological being (living or dead) has a tendency to disintegrate in the presence or absence of oxygen. We are already aware of the decomposition processes
in the presence of oxygen. However, in the absence of oxygen, biodegradable materials disintegrate to produce biogas, which is a renewable source of energy.
The levels of fossil fuels are decreasing and within some years, we might completely run out of them. In order to combat the situation, scientists began to
concentrate on the development of alternate forms of fuel sources such as bio-fuels. One can rightfully state that biogas is a form of bio-fuel.

In order to generate biogas, scientists have come up with an innovative method called Gasification. If we subject the biomaterials to extreme temperatures
(in the presence of oxygen), biogas will be the resultant product. Biogas created by anaerobic processes (absence of oxygen) contains large quantities of
methane and carbon dioxide in varying proportions. Methane, as most of the readers might be aware of, burns in the presence of oxygen. The concentration of
methane produced by the controlled combustion of biomass (gasification) is significantly lower. However, the generation of large amounts
of hydrogen enables us to use it as a fuel.

By now, the readers might have realized that this gas is used extensively as a heating agent. In fact, some of the nations have elaborate arrangements to
transport biogas in a compressed form across pipelines for domestic and industrial purposes. If you are willing to expend some time, even you can design
and operate a biogas plant to provide adequate heating to your home. The biogas can be used for cooking purposes too. The only condition is that you must
add biodegradable materials along with suitable "digester agents" to the plant to generate biogas.

The methane contained in the biogas can function as fuel to power any kind of internal combustion engine. By using biogas, one can heat up elaborate amounts
of water to produce steam, which we can then apply to generate electricity. The future prospects of this form of renewable energy look promising because vast
amounts of biodegradable materials are accumulating in various parts of every country. It is only a matter of time until we begin to realize the true vantage
of biogas as a renewable energy form. Besides, literally anyone can set up a fully functional biogas plant within minimum expenditure.

What are the disadvantages of biogas? The methane produced in the gas plants can induce many medical conditions. High concentrations of methane can be fatal in
some cases. Methane is also a highly combustible gas. Fatalities due to explosions in these plants have become a common occurrence in many countries. However,
you must realize the benefits of biogas. If properly maintained, a biogas plant can power homes and industries for many years. It will also help in reducing the
levels of carbon emission. The burning of biogas does not produce any kind of harmful gases. You must never ignore the low cost operational costs associated with biogas plants.