From Trash to Treasure: How a Biogas Plant is Turning Waste into Wealth
India can set a worldwide example by using its agricultural waste to its advantage by converting methane gas from waste. Biogas plants are progressing quickly with growing environmental concerns and the urge for sustainable solutions today. Biogas production provides an impactful solution for organic waste management, economic growth, and renewable energy production by converting waste into biogas energy. We will discuss how biogas plants help produce methane gas from organic waste.
How are landfills harming our planet?
The sole place in a city where waste is dumped and buried is popularly known as the Landfill, frequently presenting serious health and environmental hazards to nearby populations. Despite being essential for trash disposal, a large number of landfills are situated in underprivileged, degraded communities facing discrimination due to various reasons, exposing them to a disproportionate amount of dangerous pollutants. Sustainable energy solutions are a way to overcome this situation and reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions.
Several biogas success stories have showcased how the public, businesses, and users of biogas plants have benefited from these eco-friendly solutions.
How much biogas is produced from food waste?
Biogas from food waste is a good source of renewable energy. With 1kg of food waste, approximately 50%- 70% of the methane gas would be produced. Since the food type also plays an important role. The exact yield depends on the food type; different types of food waste have different organic content and biodegradability. For example, fruits and vegetables produce less methane gas in comparison to oily food waste. Utilising biogas from food waste helps in food waste management and also contributes to a sustainable energy solution by reducing the dependency on fossil fuels.
Why is Organic Recycling Waste Important?
Organic waste recycling is an essential step in sustainable waste management, as it converts organic materials into a valuable resource. The most significant benefit is the production of biogas from food waste, which generates renewable energy, reducing landfill waste. This process minimizes the emission of methane gas, and a nutrient-rich biofertilizer is produced that can enhance soil health. Users of biogas include households, industries, and commercial facilities that utilize it for cooking, electricity generation, and heating. Through organic waste recycling, we reduce dependency on fossil fuels and contribute to a cleaner environment.
How is waste converted into energy from a Biogas Plant?
As mentioned above, Biogas Plants are the source of sustainable energy solutions for the future. Gobar gas production is being done on a large scale in a variety of locations all over the world. The biogas production is done through anaerobic digestion, a natural process where microorganisms break down organic matter without oxygen. The digestion process manages biodegradable waste and provides an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuel. The process of converting methane gas from waste is as follows:
- Organic waste, such as kitchen & agricultural waste, manure, etc, is collected and gathered in one place.
- The waste is placed in the biodigester for the bacteria to decompose, converting waste into methane gas.
- Biogas production primarily consists of methane and is used for several things, such as cooking, heating & generating electricity.
- The remaining liquid part from the digestate, Slurry, is an excellent alternative to chemical fertilizer and is rich in nutrients.
NOTE: According to a recent study by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Water Environment Research Foundation, and the Water Environment Federation, wastewater treatment plants have the potential to generate enough Gobargas, approximately 12% of the total national electricity demand.
Biogas plants benefit Farmers, Businesses, and Cities.
The few users of Biogas and how it benefits them are listed below:
How do Government Schemes create new Business opportunities?
Governments around the world are supporting Biogas Plant initiatives in the form of various schemes and incentives provided by them. We will be discussing a few schemes below as well:
- SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation): The scheme encourages the production of methane gas from waste and further conversion into CBG gas, which is the best alternative for petrol & diesel.
- MNRE (Ministry of New Renewable Energy): This scheme provides financial assistance to sustainable energy solutions for small-scale and commercial Biogas Plant projects.
- National Bio-Energy Mission: This scheme promotes Biogas and other renewable energy sources to the public.
Through these government schemes, several Business opportunities are created, which are as follows:
- By setting up commercial organic waste recycling plants for industries and large-scale firms.
- Providing sustainable energy solutions through plant designs, installation, and maintenance.
- By producing organic fertilizers from the leftover digestate byproducts.
- Investing in Compressed Biogas (CBG) production, a vehicle fuel, reduces the dependency on imported fossil fuels.
Biogas Success Stories of 2025: Recently, in Gujarat, a state renowned for its milk production, the cattle farm owners have benefited from this step initiated by the Government of India under the Swachh Bharat Grameen Yojana, Gobardhan Scheme. More than 7400 biogas plants have been established in the last two years. The farm owners are the prime users of biogas plants, and they have been targeted. This Step has resolved many problems.
We also have a recent Biogas Success Story where the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has revised of the 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 (𝐅𝐂𝐎) norms for 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐬 (𝐂𝐁𝐆) 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬, bringing a significant breakthrough for the industry. This regulatory change will enhance the adoption of Fermented Organic Manure (FOM), now classified as 30%-70% moisture, eliminating the dryness & Liquid Fermented Organic Manure (LFOM), now defined with 90%-97% moisture, enabling better utilisation. This is a significant boost in the Bio CNG/CBG industry.
Conclusion
The Biogas Plant solution has risen to be a win-win situation for every sector producing organic waste. Reducing landfill waste and generating renewable energy creates new job opportunities, turning methane gas from waste into wealth. It doesn't matter which sector you are in; adopting a Biogas plant will eventually lead to a greener and more sustainable environment.
Investing in Biogas Production Plants today is not an environmental responsibility; it's a wise financial decision with long-term benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Gobar gas produce rich nutrient fertilizer?
Converting waste into biogas is the process of producing methane gas from waste. At the end of the entire procedure, the Slurry remains rich in nutrients and becomes a good source of crop fertilizer. It is also sold in markets at a prominent price by the farmers.
How to make biogas from food waste?
Food waste is one of the raw material elements that help in biogas production. Food waste is usually generated in bulk from restaurants and hotels. It is dumped in the digester for further processing, and after 45 days, it takes to make methane gas from food waste. Biogas from food waste is not produced in large quantities since most of the production of gobargas is done from poultry litter; it is a prime source, which makes biogas on a large scale.
What organic items can be recycled?
Organic waste recycling is a necessary process that transforms biodegradable waste into valuable resources like compost and renewable energy. By implementing organic waste recycling, nutrient-rich compost is created, which enhances soil fertility, improves water retention, and supports healthier plant growth. This sustainable practice reduces dependency on chemical fertilisers, leading to eco-friendly agricultural solutions.
.png)
