biokaasutus

Biokaasutus is a biological process where organic matter is broken down in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas. This process is primarily carried out by microorganisms, specifically anaerobic bacteria. The organic matter can include a wide range of materials such as animal manure, agricultural waste, food scraps, sewage sludge, and energy crops.

The biogas produced is a mixture of gases, mainly methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), with smaller amounts of other gases like hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitrogen (N2). Methane is the primary combustible component, making biogas a valuable renewable energy source.

The biogas can be utilized in several ways. It can be burned directly to generate heat and electricity, similar to natural gas. It can also be upgraded to biomethane by removing CO2 and other impurities, which then has a similar composition to natural gas and can be injected into the existing natural gas grid or used as a fuel for vehicles.

Besides energy production, the digestion process also yields a nutrient-rich digestate. This digestate can be used as a valuable fertilizer for agricultural purposes, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Biogas plants are therefore seen as a key component in a circular economy, helping to manage waste, produce renewable energy, and create a sustainable fertilizer. The technology is implemented in various scales, from small farm-based digesters to large industrial facilities.