Biogas 101

What is biogas?

Biogas is a renewable source of methane gas, created when organic matter breaks down in an oxygen-free environment. This biological process is referred to as Anaerobic Digestion (AD). The main component of biogas is methane, also the key component of natural gas.

What is Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)?

Biogas can be upgraded to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), which is carbon neutral and interchangeable with conventional natural gas.

What is digestate?

Digestate is the product that comes from the anaerobic digestion of organic material and is a nutrient-rich slurry that can be used as a soil amendment to recycle nutrients.

Where does biogas come from?

Biogas is created from organic materials or carbon sources found in:

  • Agriculture – livestock manure, and crop residues
  • Source-separated organic materials from residences and commercial businesses
  • Landfills
  • Biosolids from wastewater treatment

How is biogas used?

Biogas can be used to produce renewable heat, electricity, and pipeline quality gas that can be stored in the pipeline and used for transportation, household heating or industrial, commercial and institutional processes.