Compressed biogas is becoming an increasingly popular fuel source in numerous industries across the world. Compressed biogas is growing in popularity because it offers a wide range of advantages that appeal to the wallets and ethical values of organizations using this fuel.
Those advantages are unique in that they benefit numerous parties. Naturally, those using compressed biogas as an energy source benefit from doing so. However, there is also reason to believe some of the benefits of compressed biogas are good for the whole planet, benefiting even those who are unfamiliar with this resource.
What is Compressed Biogas?
According to the International Energy Agency (IAE), biogas consists of:
- Methane
- Carbon dioxide
- Some other gasses in small amounts
Biogas is formed through anaerobic digestion. The digestion of certain organic materials results in the generation of energy. As such, biogas can serve as a fuel source.
Biogas compression typically requires the removal of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. The organic material necessary for the production of biogas (and thus, compressed biogas) can come from many sources. For example, some waste water treatment plants use compressors to generate biogas from waste water. Doing so generates energy in an eco-friendly capacity.
Benefits of Compressed Biogas
Compressed biogas offers many advantages. The following are just a few noteworthy examples:
- Biogas is a renewable energy resource. Using it as a source of energy is better for the planet than using other potential energy resources.
- Large-scale commercial use of biogas may help nations achieve climate change goals. Depending on the industry, some companies using compressed biogas may also use it as a means of complying with regulations.
- The process through which biogas is produced sometimes generates a natural fertilizer as a byproduct. Those in agricultural fields may add the “waste” that biogas production generates to chemical fertilizer to enhance its effectiveness. Or, they may use it on its own.
- There is reason to believe that the production of natural biogas may guard against water pollution in some areas. The anaerobic digestion process necessary to generate biogas can render certain pathogens harmless. Thus, if the organic material used in the production of biogas were to enter a water supply, as can happen in some locations, it may be less likely to cause harm.
- In some parts of the world, compressed biogas qualifies for energy subsidies. Using it may be cost-effective in areas where subsidies are available.
- Relying too much on limited fuel sources can be unwise for companies and organizations. Fluctuations in cost and availability of certain fuel resources may result in insecurity. Compressed biogas guards against this by providing organizations with a reliable and readily-available source of energy they may use as an alternative to other fuel sources.
- Compressed biogas is relatively affordable. The technology necessary for the generation of biogas isn’t particularly expensive when compared to other energy-production technologies.
These are just a few reasons compressed biogas usage is becoming increasingly common across various industries. As with many eco-friendly fuel sources, its potential benefits and applications are still emerging. The more we use compressed biogas, the more we are likely to learn about its strengths.
Ro-Flo Compressors offers global compressed biogas solutions.