Biogas: a real option to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ESRI Research Bulletin 2019/18

Biogas is a versatile fuel that can be used for multiple purposes such as electricity and heat production. Biogas is produced via anaerobic digestion (AD), which occurs when microorganisms in the absence of oxygen break down organic materials, such as food waste and agricultural feedstocks, producing gases such as methane and carbon dioxide. By removing carbon dioxide and other impurities, the upgraded biogas, namely biomethane, has similar chemical properties to fossil gas and can be fed directly into existing gas grids or dispensed as a vehicle fuel at fuelling stations. Replacing fossil fuels with biogas generated from sustainable sources helps reduce the net flow of greenhouse gases (GHG) to the atmosphere. Europe is the world leader in biogas production, with total production doubling since 2010 and increasing by more than 700% since 2000. This study reviews how European countries are developing their biogas and biomethane industries, eliciting key learnings for countries such as Ireland seeking to expand the biogas sector and reduce GHG emissions.