Biogas plants vs. Natural gas plants
As renewable energy resources become the focus of energy generation worldwide, identifying the best renewable energy technology is vital. Two significant sources of renewable energy are Biogas and Natural gas; these two have been the subject of comparisons on multiple occasions. We will objectively and factually compare the two in this article.
What are Biogas plants?
Biogas plants generate a gas mixture called Biogas. Biogas is a combustible gas mixture that is composed of roughly 60% methane and 40% carbon dioxide (CO2). The process of creating Biogas starts with the breakdown of organic waste materials in a biogas plant's anaerobic digester. The resulting gas mixture is then purified and can either be used onsite or transported elsewhere via a pipeline for use elsewhere.
What are Natural gas plants?
Natural gas plants generate electricity using natural gas. It is a fossil fuel that is extracted from underground and, when burned, releases carbon into the atmosphere. While this resource is not renewable, it is still seen as one of the cleanest fossil fuels as it emits the least amount of carbon dioxide when burnt compared to other fossil fuels, such as coal.
Biogas vs. Natural gas
Greenhouse gases: Biogas plants and natural gas plants' main difference is that biogas plants generate virtually zero net carbon dioxide emissions, while natural gas plants generate over 500g of CO2 emissions per kWh. Biogas energy is renewable, derived from decomposing materials, while natural gas is a fossil fuel that will run out eventually. Biogas is an environmentally responsible alternative to natural gas because it is created using organic materials that would otherwise have gone to a landfill or an incinerator, producing methane and other harmful air pollutants.
Costs: Biogas is approximately 30% cheaper to produce than natural gas. The biogas production process has the potential to generate additional revenue streams from the sale of co-products, such as fertilizer or feed supplements. The biogas itself can be sold as a clean energy source, providing additional income.
Availability: Natural gas is widely available, and the existing infrastructure can easily distribute it. The biogas feedstock is still limited to organic materials, and only a few biogas plants exist. However, the number of biogas plants in operation is increasing, and governments are exploring more organic waste treatment solutions to generate biogas.
Conclusion
While both Biogas and Natural gas plants generate energy, their source of energy differs significantly. Biogas plants generate energy from renewable organic resources, while natural gas plants utilize fossil fuels. Biogas is much cheaper to produce than natural gas, and biogas production also generates additional income through co-products. Natural gas is more widely available and distributed than biogas, but biogas production is becoming increasingly prevalent. Overall, Biogas is the more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution that will continue to grow in popularity.