Why Isn't Biogas More Common for Energy? Key Barriers & Solutions

Why Don’t We Have More Biogas-Powered Energy?

Biogas is a renewable energy source with enormous potential, converting organic waste into usable power. It reduces landfill waste, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and provides an alternative to fossil fuels. Yet, despite its advantages, biogas remains underutilized worldwide. What’s holding it back?

image of a modern biogas plant in a rural setting, showcasing the digesters, biogas processing, and digestate transport.

How a Biogas Plant Works

A biogas plant functions by breaking down organic material through a process called anaerobic digestion—where microorganisms decompose waste in an oxygen-free environment, producing biogas. Here’s how it works:

1. Feedstock Collection – Organic waste materials such as food scraps, animal manure, and agricultural residues are collected and fed into the digester.
2. Anaerobic Digestion – The waste is stored in a sealed, oxygen-free chamber where bacteria break it down over time, producing biogas (mainly methane and carbon dioxide) and digestate (a nutrient-rich byproduct).
3. Biogas Capture & Purification – The gas is collected and refined to remove impurities, such as hydrogen sulfide and moisture, to improve energy efficiency.
4. Energy Utilization – The purified biogas is used for electricity generation, heating, or as a fuel for vehicles.
5. Byproduct Utilization – The leftover digestate is processed into organic fertilizer, which can be used to enrich soil in agriculture.

How Digestate is Processed and Used

After the anaerobic digestion process, the remaining material—called digestate—is separated into solid and liquid components. This byproduct is valuable for agricultural and environmental applications:

• Solid Digestate Processing: The solid fraction is often dried or composted to improve its stability and usability as an organic fertilizer or soil amendment. It enhances soil structure, improves water retention, and adds essential nutrients.
• Liquid Digestate Processing: The liquid fraction contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making it a potent biofertilizer. It can be applied directly to fields, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and minimizing nutrient runoff into waterways.
• Biodegradable Materials Production: Some facilities further refine digestate into bioplastics, fiber-based products, or other eco-friendly materials, expanding its sustainability impact.

By repurposing digestate efficiently, biogas plants contribute to a circular economy, where waste is fully utilized, reducing environmental impact and supporting agricultural productivity.

Key Barriers to Widespread Biogas Adoption

1. High Initial Investment Costs
   Constructing and maintaining biogas plants requires significant upfront capital. Many businesses and municipalities struggle to justify these expenses without subsidies or incentives.

2. Infrastructure & Technology Limitations
   Biogas needs specialized infrastructure for collection, purification, and distribution. In many regions, these systems are either lacking or require costly upgrades.

3. Policy & Regulatory Challenges
   Many countries lack supportive policies, incentives, and streamlined regulations for biogas production and use. Unclear or restrictive rules deter investors and slow down adoption.

4. Public Awareness & Perception Issues
   Unlike solar and wind, biogas receives less public attention. Misconceptions about odors, safety, and efficiency contribute to hesitancy among consumers and businesses.

5. Feedstock Supply & Seasonal Variability
   Biogas production relies on organic waste from agriculture, food industries, and wastewater treatment. Seasonal changes in feedstock availability can affect consistent production.

Pros and Cons of Biogas

Pros of Biogas

✅ Renewable & Sustainable – Biogas is produced from organic waste, ensuring a continuous, sustainable energy source.
✅ Waste Reduction – Converts agricultural, food, and animal waste into energy, reducing landfill use and pollution.
✅ Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Capturing methane from organic decomposition prevents it from entering the atmosphere, helping combat climate change.
✅ Cost-Effective in the Long Run – After initial investment, biogas plants can generate free or low-cost energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
✅ Energy Independence – Can be produced locally, reducing reliance on imported fuels and enhancing energy security.
✅ Versatile Use – Can be used for electricity, heat, and as a vehicle fuel, making it a flexible energy source.
✅ Soil & Agricultural Benefits – The byproduct, digestate, is a nutrient-rich fertilizer that improves soil health.

Cons of Biogas

❌ High Initial Costs – Setting up a biogas plant requires a significant investment in infrastructure and equipment.
❌ Storage & Transportation Challenges – Biogas needs proper storage and refining to remove impurities before use, which adds complexity.
❌ Seasonal Feedstock Variability – Biogas production depends on the availability of organic waste, which can fluctuate with seasons.
❌ Lower Energy Output Compared to Fossil Fuels – Biogas has a lower energy density than natural gas, requiring larger volumes for the same energy output.
❌ Technical Maintenance Requirements – Biogas systems need proper monitoring and maintenance to operate efficiently.
❌ Public Perception & Awareness Issues – Many people associate biogas with bad odors or assume it's inefficient, limiting adoption.

Solutions to Boost Biogas Energy Use

• Government Incentives & Funding: Providing subsidies, tax breaks, and low-interest loans can help offset initial costs and encourage investment.
• Improved Infrastructure & Tech: Innovations in biogas purification, storage, and distribution can enhance efficiency and make it more competitive with other renewables.
• Clear Regulations & Policies: Governments should streamline approval processes, set fair energy pricing structures, and encourage biogas integration into national grids.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Education and outreach efforts can highlight the benefits of biogas, dispelling myths and increasing demand.
• Diversified Feedstock Strategies: Expanding sources, such as municipal waste and dedicated energy crops, can ensure consistent biogas supply year-round.

Conclusion

Biogas has immense potential to drive a cleaner, more sustainable future. By addressing financial, technological, and policy barriers, we can unlock its full capacity and integrate it into mainstream energy solutions. The transition won’t be instant, but with the right strategies, biogas can become a vital component of the global renewable energy mix.

For more information on renewable natural gas and biogas initiatives, visit the EPA's Landfill Methane Outreach Program.

What do you think? Could biogas be a major player in future energy markets?