Biological waste is generating methane along with few other organic and inorganic gases.  Generation of methane Gas from biological waste like agricultural waste, press mud, manure, municipal waste, plant material, sewage, green waste or food waste, animal waste, waste collected in STP plants, is known as Bio Gas. In India, initially, it was also known as “Gobar Gas”.

Biogas is produced by anaerobic digestion with methanogen or anaerobic organisms, which digest material in a controlled and closed system, or fermentation of biodegradable materials. This controlled system is called an anaerobic digester, biodigester or a bioreactor. With the help of improved biological techniques, fermentation may be increased for better yield.   

Bio Gas is a mixture of various gases primarily consisting of methane, ethane, moister, Hydrogen Sulfide and carbon dioxide. Along with methane as hydro carbon, presence of inorganic gases reduce the quality of Bio Gas. The gases methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide (CO) can be combusted or oxidized with oxygen. This energy release allows biogas to be used as a fuel. It can be used for any combustion/heating purpose, such as cooking or as fuel in a gas engine to convert the energy in the gas into electricity and heat.

Bio Gas production is commercially feasible in a large quantity with a bi product of Sugar mill. After complete extraction of sugar from sugar cane, apart from fiber, half solid waste is known as press mud as waste contain high percentile of methane with other gases. After a complete process, methane extracted. Removal of moister, Carbon dioxide and specifically sulfur content which is highly corrosive in nature is must. Finally, a mixture of hydrocarbon confirming IS 16087.      

After all Bio Gas is a hydro carbon fuel of high calorific value which can be easily used as a replacement of liquid or gaseous fuel. Bio Gas can be compressed with the help of compressors and filled in CNG vehicles. Compressed form of Bio Gas is known as Compressed Bio Gas (CBG). Other than Bio Gas, these plant are generating organic fertilizers. 

Future prospect:

India has a large nos. of sugar mills and each and every city is having STP plants. Indian Govt is promoting production and distribution of CBG. National Oil Companies and City Gas companies are trying to create CBG business.

An untapped potential can be promoted to generate renewal energy. Also generate revenue and jobs from waste.