As per a study by the United Nations, an estimated 7 million people die prematurely every year from Air Pollution, with 4 million from the Asia-Pacific region of the world. Vehicle emissions, burning of fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum, and gas and smoke emissions from factories are major causes of air pollution. All of this should be a cause of worry for everyone worldwide as it affects the air that we breathe and is a major factor in the depletion of the ozone layer, global warming, resulting in respiratory problems in humans and even posing a threat to wild and aquatic life.

In our constant endeavor to utilise our existing resources in a more judicious manner and to take another step towards sustainability, SoulTree has recently instated a Biogas Plant in its manufacturing facility in Bhiwadi. In this blog, we will give you all an idea about what Biogas is, its uses and how it can be used even on a small scale, thus, encouraging a circular economy.

What is Biogas?

Biogas is a natural form of gas produced using food and organic waste, and broken down anaerobically, which is in the absence of Oxygen. This process results in the formation of Biogas which is a blend of gases, mainly of Methane and Carbon Dioxide. It also helps replace fossil-generated energy with a clean and renewable form of energy. Biogas can be used in numerous ways and forms which we will enumerate in the coming sections.

Advantages of Biogas:

If we look at how the organic waste is decomposed naturally, it tends to mix with the landfills, which results in the production of dangerous levels of Methane gas. This process adds to Global Warming. Biogas, which is a clean form of gas, is produced in an environmentally-friendly way and has the following benefits:

• Eco-Friendly
  • Along with being a clean and renewable form of energy, biogas is utilised for heating/cooking which otherwise would have resulted in the emission of Methane and Carbon Dioxide in the environment, which contribute to an increase in global warming. 

• Reduces Soil & Water Contamination
  • Overflowing landfills are breeding grounds for parasites and can result in air & water-borne diseases. Utilising the organic waste and not sending it to landfills helps reduce and manage the overall waste in the environment around us. 

• Low-cost Technology
  • Small bio-digestors are easy to set up. It uses the kitchen and organic waste to produce gas, which can be used for heating/cooking, thus, encouraging a circular economy. 

Uses of Biogas

In countries across the world, Biogas is being used in various forms and has even been advocated for use by the local authorities and governments at subsidised rates. One may think that a Biogas plant can be used only to recycle industrial waste, but a small-scale Biogas Plant or digester can also be used to reduce household waste in an ecological fashion, resulting in a clean and renewable source of energy to be used for various purposes.