BIOGASwww.reelcaribbeanenergy.com

What is Biogas?

-The term 'biogas' is commonly used to refer to a gas which has been produced by the biological breakdown of organic matter in

the absence of oxygen. The gases methane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide can be combusted or oxidized with oxygen and the resultant energy release allows biogas to be used as a fuel.

http://www.answers.com/topic/biogas#ixzz38brOP661Source:

-A mixture of methane and carbon dioxide resulting from the anaerobic decomposition of such waste materials as domestic, industrial, and agricultural sewage. The decomposition is carried out by methanogenic bacteria; these obligate anaerobes produce methane, the main component of biogas, which can be collected and used as an energy source for domestic processes, such as heating, cooking, and lighting. The production of biogas is carried out in special digesters, which are widely used in China and India. As well as providing a source of fuel, these systems also enable sewage, which contains pathogenic bacteria, to be digested, thereby removing the danger to humans that could otherwise result from untreated domestic and agricultural waste.

What is Biogas Made From?

Biogas typically refers to a gas produced by the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. It is a renewable energy source, like solar and wind energy. Furthermore, biogas can be produced from regionally available raw

materials and recycled waste and is environmentally friendly and CO2 neutral.

Biogas is produced by the anaerobic digestion or fermentation of biodegradable materials such as manure, sewage, municipal waste, green waste, plant material, and crops.[1] Biogas comprises primarily methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and may have small amounts of hydrogen sulphide (H2S), moisture and

siloxanes.

The gases methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide (CO) can be combusted or oxidized with oxygen. This energy release allows biogas to be used as a fuel. Biogas can be used as a fuel in any country for any heating purpose, such as cooking. It can also be used in anaerobic digesters where it is typically used in a gas engine to convert the energy in the gas into electricity and heat.[2] Biogas can be compressed, much

like natural gas, and used to power motor vehicles. In the UK, for example, biogas is estimated to have the potential to replace around 17% of vehicle fuel.[3]

http://www.answers.com/topic/biogas#ixzz38buwqZDaSource:

What are the Common Uses for Biogas?

Biogas for heatingPerhaps the easiest way to use biogas is for heating. This is because, for this purpose, no pre-treatment other than the removal of water is required. Biogas is usually used for heating buildings in conjunction with a biogas plant, but surplus heat can also be directed into the district heating network.

Biogas is energy rich and is well suited as a source of energy within many areas.

Biogas power generationBiogas energy can also be used to generate power. Both electricity and heat can be produced with the help of a gas powered generator. The proportions of heat and power generated depend of course on the design of the plant but are usually in the region of 35 per cent electricity and 65 per cent heat.

Biogas as vehicle fuelRelatively speaking, biogas requires considerable processing if it is to be used as vehicle fuel. The energy value has to be raised by separating carbon dioxide in order to achieve a methane content of between 95 and 99 per cent. Water, impurities and particles must be removed to avoid mechanical as well as environmental damage. Finally, the gas has to be compressed. Although significant work is needed to upgrade methane gas to biogas fuel, the environmental benefits are so great that an increasing number of filling stations are opening throughout the country. There are at present between 40 and 50 biogas stations in Sweden and the aim is to have 100 before the end of 2007. Approximately 4,000 vehicles now run on biogas fuel on Swedish roads.

Biogas in the gas networkRefined biogas can be injected into existing gas networks. Networks for town gas were perhaps more common before but, in Stockholm for example, there is a functioning network with natural gas being used for gas cookers, heaters, baking ovens, water heaters etc.

Biogas in industryMany industries such as sugar refineries, distilleries, dairies and paper mills generate processing and waste water that can be digested directly on site. Biogas can thus be used for heating premises, district heating power production, heating ovens etc.

What are Some Examples of Current Biogas Projects?

TIBAR Energy

http://www.tibbarconstruction.com/usvi_biomass_faqs.htmlSource:

RENAC Biogas

http://www.renac.de/en/current-projects/biogas-central-america.htmlSource:

UTS Biogas

http://www.uts-biogas.com/en/news/newsletter/biogasnewsletter02-2013/currentprojects.htmlSource:

Reel Caribbean Energy is focused on supporting alternative, renewable energy projects throughout the Caribbean to help

businesses and consumers reduce their carbon footprint...and their utility bills.

Visit http://www.reelcaribbeanenergy.com for more details.