Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the renowned automaker, has introduced a pilot biogas plant in the Manesar facility; the aim is to make use of in-house food waste and Napier grass to produce biogas, showcasing the dedication of the firm to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s ‘Waste to Energy’ initiative. The biogas plant can produce 0.2 tons of biogas on a daily basis, anticipating an output of around 1 lakh standard cubic meters in FY 2024-25 and around 190 tons of CO2 annually.
In this modern era, approximately 18 gigawatts of installed power generation capacity are working on biogas worldwide, most of which are utilized in Germany, followed by the United States of America and Britain, respectively. Let us look into the major factors on how biogas production can positively impact the circular economy and move forward.
The world is in the progressive phase of converting organic waste into renewable energy and fertilizers which helps the global economy to stay active as a part of sustainability initiatives. With the help of biogas productions, it lowers greenhouse gas emissions securing the mankind from pollution, contributing to harmful diseases. The process involved in the biogas productions lowers methane emissions from waste decomposition and also reduces dependency on fossil fuels. The biogas received from various processes can be utilized as the fuel for vehicle, power and thereby minimizes carbon footprints. Hence, biogas production sets a prime example for sustainable activities that supports in controlling waste, energy production and waste reduction in a circular economy.
For instance, in rural households in India, people use small-scale biogas digesters, which help convert cow dung into biogas for cooking and reduce the consumption of wood and coal, lowering carbon emissions.
Biogas production plays a key role in the creation of employment opportunities which will contribute to economic development by setting up new sectors and bringing developments to the remote areas. With an increase in biogas production, there can be a need for huge people in the waste collection segment, construction and operation. More importantly, the production even promotes local economies by increasing a demand for high-skilled workers. Moreover, the people associated with small scale business can achieve success by offering advanced biogas technologies and innovation. Biogas can also help the community relying on energy, lowering energy expenses for organizations and households.
In the USA, the biogas projects on dairy farms created jobs in sectors such as plant operation, construction and maintenance. The projects have also indirectly created employment in the feedstock industry and supplying equipment.
Ashu Shinghal, Managing Director of Mahanagar Gas Limited says ""We are looking to achieve nine of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through it, including producing clean energy, mitigating the effects of climate change, reducing poverty, and increasing employment"
As biogas production is one of the practical activities to reduce pollution, it can also improve public health in the circular economy and contribute to cleanliness. Biogas production is already a proven technology in lowering waste efficiently; it has the capability to regulate the uncontrolled decomposition of waste, which can lead to severe pollutants in the atmosphere. Besides, it can also help prevent the maximum release of pollution in the air, reducing the probability of waterborne and respiratory ailments. Overall, biogas production offers safe, green energy sources, lowering pollution generated by the usage of fossil fuels and biomass, which is connected with several heart and respiratory diseases.
For example, in Nepal, thousands of biogas plants have been installed on account of the Biogas Support Program. These plants promote hygiene and reduce diseases by processing human and animal waste. Also, cooking fuel used from biogas has reduced smoke-related ailments.
Biogas production has a great potential in the rural areas as agriculture is given the prime importance with heaps of organic waste generated which can be effectively converted into useful resources in the form of fertilizers and energy. Local communities and mainly the farmers can make use of biogas for various purposes such as electricity, heating and cooking, lowering energy costs and dependency on fossil fuels. After the completion of anaerobic digestion a material is formed which is digestate that can improve soil fertility and enhance sustainable agriculture. As a result of this, this leads to local jobs in the biogas facility, promotes local economies by rising needs for waste materials and improves agriculture.
Large-scale biogas plants are utilized in remote areas of Denmark, which use agricultural waste and organic materials to produce biogas. These plants help generate energy and assist local farmers by offering a market for their products, promoting economic resilience and agricultural activity.
All in all, biogas production offers social, economic and environmental benefits to the circular economy. As the world is focusing on sustainability initiatives, biogas production will be given higher importance as it plays a crucial role in converting organic wastes into renewable and other vital byproducts. Biogas will lower the release of harmful gases into the environment, reduce energy dependence, and improve public health and job creation, effectively contributing to the growth of the circular economy. Considering the present challenges, such as climatic changes, issues in waste management and resource depletion, the biogas production within the circular economy is imperative for now and the future.
