Biogas is a renewable energy source produced through a biochemical process where specific bacteria types convert biological wastes into a useful gaseous product. This gas, mostly composed of methane, is combustible, generating heat and energy when burnt. It’s an environment-friendly alternative to fossil fuels, which are linked to climate change, air pollution, and several health disorders. The Noida authority’s recent announcement on possibly relocating the planned site for an Automatic Compressed Biogas plant has again highlighted the significance of biogas energy.
Challenges Posed by Biomass and Fossil Fuels
Pollution caused by burning biomass and fossil fuels detrimentally affects our health and contributes significantly to climate change. These materials are primarily used for cooking, heating, and lighting purposes. Moreover, improper disposal of organic waste, accounting for nearly half of India’s yearly 62 million tonnes of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), produces harmful methane gas. This gas, when released into the atmosphere, amplifies the greenhouse effect leading to global warming. Furthermore, incorrect waste disposal often results in diseases like dengue fever and malaria.
The Significance of Switching to Biogas
Large-scale installation of municipal biogas systems can help handle the organic waste efficiently, mitigating the environmental and socio-economic issues posed by landfills. Using these systems, municipal waste can be converted into clean fuel and biofertilizers while maintaining city hygiene. Switching to biogas will also reduce the exposure of women, who spend more time indoors, to harmful indoor air pollution caused by burning biomass and fossil fuels.
Impacting Energy Dependence and Enhancing Livelihoods
Adopting biogas can transform the energy reliance of rural and agricultural communities, currently dependent on burning wood, dung, and fossil fuels. Biogas utilization can also address the issues related to livestock manure and agricultural waste management, soil degradation, water pollution, and deforestation. It is estimated that using biogas digesters reduces around 2.83 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually per tonne of feedstock processed.
Improving Soil Quality and Reducing Gender Inequity
Biogas plants produce a by-product known as digestate, rich in organic content that revitalises the soil. This nutrient-packed compound can replace synthetic fertilisers that harm the soil quality over time. Furthermore, biogas use can contribute to gender equality by freeing women’s time spent collecting firewood, allowing them to pursue education and skill-building for better employment opportunities.
Role of Biogas in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Biogas significantly contributes to achieving several UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as zero hunger, good health, gender equality, sustainable cities, and climate action, among others.
Government Initiatives for Encouraging Biogas
The Indian Government’s SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) initiative aims at promoting Compressed Biogas production for automotive use.
While biomasses and fossil fuels pose significant threats to environment and public health, transitioning to biogas offers a sustainable solution. With appropriate government initiatives and public awareness, it can greatly contribute to environmental conservation and societal wellbeing.
