Exploring the Potential of Modern Innovative Decentralised Biogas Technology

The history of biogas technology dates back to the 19th century. Research suggests the world's first biogas plant was built in Bombay, India in 1859. However, it wasn't until 1973, when fossil fuel prices started escalating and the government shifted their focus towards renewable energy, that biogas technology gained widespread recognition and attention.

The journey of biogas technology has been marked by continuous development and evolution, leading to the emergence of modern innovative biogas technology.

Modern innovative biogas technology made its debut in the early 2000, with the goal of creating a modular and scalable biogas plant that could address the limitations of the fixed-dome model. The objective was to enable easy installation, expansion, and customization to suit the needs of rural communities.

Although using the same ageold conventional method, modern biogas plants have revolutionized the process of converting waste into renewable natural gas, offering numerous advantages over traditional systems. These plants excel in efficiently generating an optimal amount of energy for various applications, such as cooking, heating, powering agricultural activities, and generating decentralized electricity. Notably, they also possess several other unique features that sets them apart from their predecessors.

Affordability, Durability and Flexibility

One such key aspect of modern biogas plants is their affordability, durability, and flexibility. Modern innovative biogas plants are designed to be cost-effective and require minimal maintenance, ensuring long-lasting functionality for approximately 15-20 years. Their flexible nature allow easy installation, and they don't occupy a fixed space in a farmer's backyard. This mobility enables farmers to adapt their biogas systems to their changing needs and agricultural practices.

User-friendly Nature

Another important advantage of modern biogas plants is their simplicity of operation. Farmers worldwide have adopted these plants due to their user-friendly nature. With minimal training, farmers can easily operate and maintain their biogas plants.

Seamless Supply of Energy

Modern innovative biogas plants also stand out due to their ability to provide a seamless supply of gas directly to the kitchen. By connecting the biogas system to the household kitchen, farmers can conveniently access renewable energy without relying on grid electricity. This feature promotes energy independence and contributes to a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.

Easy Installation

One of the most significant advantages of modern innovative biogas plants is their rapid installation speed. A team of just two trained engineers can install multiple biogas units in a single day. This accelerated installation process enables mass deploy- ments within a short period, making it feasible to implement large-scale biogas projects efficiently.

Modern innovative biogas plants predominantly exist in rural areas. Smallholder farmers and dairy farmers in particular are the primary beneficiary of this cutting-edge technology. These biogas plants are designed to effectively process animal and farm land waste, both of which are abundantly available in rural networks. The adoption of modern biogas plants bring forth a multitude of benefits, making them a valuable solution for renewable energy generation and effective waste management in rural communities.

Renewable Energy Generation

Modern biogas plants produce biogas, a renewable energy source that can be used for various applications. Biogas is primarily composed of methane, which can be utilized for cooking, heating, electricity generation, and as a replacement for fossil fuels. By harnessing biogas as an energy source, modern biogas plants contribute to reducing reliance on non-renewable energy and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Waste Management

Biogas plants play a vital role in addressing the organic waste management problem. Animal and farm land waste contribute a significant chunk to greenhouse gas emissions. Most of the smallholder farmers have access to cattle; however, the waste generated from them is often left neglected which leads to the generation of poisonous methane gas, a pollutant for the environment. Biogas plants offer an easy remedy to this problem by converting animal waste into a renewable energy source, contributing to a circular economy and sustainable waste management practices.

Improved Air Quality and Health:

A recent study suggested that there are more than 35 million smallholder farmers in India, of which 60% to 70% still rely on firewood for their cooking needs. This leads to indoor air pollution, which is hazardous to health, particularly for women and children who spend significant time indoors. By providing a clean and smoke-free cooking fuel alternative, biogas plants help improve indoor air quality and reduce respiratory illnesses and related health risks.

Rural Employment

The establishment and operation of modern innovative biogas plants leads to the generation of rural employment. Local communities can engage in the collection and supply of organic waste feedstock, construction and maintenance of biogas plants, and distribution of biogas and biofertilizer products. These activities contribute to income generation, skill development, and the overall economic growth of rural communities.

Access to Organic Biofertilizer

Biofertilizers support sustainable agricultural practices by reducing the dependence on synthetic chemical fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers can have adverse effects on the environment, including soil degradation, water pollution, and harm to beneficial organ- isms. Biofertilizers provide essential nutrients to plants, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients. They help improve soil structure and nutrient-holding capacity. By using biofertilizers, farmers can minimize the environmental impact and promote ecological balance in the agricultural ecosystem.

Modern innovative biogas plants play a significant role in mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is released during the decomposition of animal and farm land waste. However, instead of allowing methane to escape into the atmosphere, biogas plants capture and utilize it as a renewable energy source in the form of biogas. This helps prevent the release of methane into the environment. Additionally by replacing fossil fuel as a source of energy biogas also helps to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

According to recent statistics, animal and farm waste contribute to approximately 22% of India's annual greenhouse gas emissions. Recognizing the significance of addressing this issue, the Government of

India has implemented various initiatives to promote the adoption of modern innovative biogas technology in rural areas. These initiatives aim to encourage the establishment of biogas plants, particularly in regions where animal and farm land waste is abundant. By promoting the use of biogas technology, the government seeks to mitigate the emissions associated with animal and farm land waste while simultaneously providing renewable energy solutions for rural communities. India's contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions stands at 6%. Embracing modern innovative biogas technology presents a unique opportunity for the government to tackle critical issues such as energy access, waste management, and climate change mitigation. Moreover, by prioritizing the promotion of biogas technology, the government can align its efforts with the ambitious objective of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070.

Atul Mittal Director Commercial Sistema.bio