biogaz

Biogaz is a renewable gas produced by the microbial digestion of organic matter in oxygen-free environments. Its main component is methane, typically 50 to 70 percent, with carbon dioxide and smaller amounts of other gases. The term biogaz is used in several languages to describe this gas mixture, while in English it is commonly called biogas.

Biogaz is generated in anaerobic digesters from feedstocks such as agricultural residues, manure, energy crops, food waste, and sewage sludge. The digestion process proceeds through hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis, and is influenced by temperature (mesophilic and thermophilic ranges) and retention time. The gas is often collected in covered tanks or biogas wells, and may be used directly for heat and electricity or upgraded to biomethane for injection into natural gas networks or use as vehicle fuel.

Digestate, the residual solid and liquid material, can be used as fertilizer or soil conditioner. Environmental benefits include reduced greenhouse gas emissions by capturing methane that would otherwise be released, and the displacement of fossil fuels. Economic considerations include capital costs, operation, maintenance, feedstock availability, and policy incentives such as subsidies or guaranteed tariffs. Potential drawbacks include odor, technical complexity, hydrogen sulfide content that can corrode equipment, and methane leakage risks.

Biogaz deployment is common in Europe, parts of North America, and other regions with supportive policy frameworks and incentives. Standards and safety guidelines cover gas quality, digester design, and grid injection or vehicle-fuel upgrading.