Technology

Why biogas?

We see biogas as an essential step towards a sustainable symbiosis among industries, cities, and agriculture. It's more than practical; it's essential for a greener future.

Why biogas?

Choosing the biogas route is multifaceted. It's not just about energy generation for facilities and citizens, but also minimizing environmental impacts and recycling of waste. Biogas production from organic waste offers an alternative to fossil fuels — and produces high quality of fertilizers for agriculture. This double advantage promotes both economic gain and your ability to take environmental responsibility. 

“We see biogas as an innovative driver of the green transition. It holds the potential to reduce carbon footprints across multiple sectors from heavy transportation or agriculture to the global food industry”

Torben Ravn Pedersen
COO, Bigadan

Biogenic CO2

Reducing climate footprints across sectors

Read more

Biogas is a technology that has undergone drastic development in recent years. Thus, it’s now utilized by municipalities and industries to handle complex waste streams. Combined with advanced technology, we’re able to upgrade the biogas to fuel for heavy transportation and for producing biogenic CO2 aimed at the food sector (CCU) and for storage (CCS). Overall, this helps multiple industries and sectors instigate circular systems and lower their carbon footprints.

How biogas is made

Biogas plants receive various types of waste, primarily livestock manure and organic industrial waste. Waste and manure are first mixed in a reception tank, then this biomass is heated to 38-52°C and transferred to the digester where biogas production takes place. The biomass stays in the digester for two to three weeks — after which the digestate is used as an enhanced fertilizer for agricultural crops. This upgraded fertilizer has the advantage of emitting less odor and significantly reduces nutrition leakes when spread on fields.

Biogas is utilized to generate electricity and district heating through a gas engine at the plant. The electricity is dispatched to the grid while the heat is often used locally. The biogas can also be upgraded to natural gas standards and injected into the natural gas network or used as a fuel for transportation. Moreover, the gas can be liquefied and transported on trucks for various uses, e.g. in the food and beverage sector. Lastly, capturing CO2 from biogas can help generate negative CO2 emission.

The many advantages of biogas

A green and renewable energy source

Biogas is a green energy source that comes in both the form of electricity and heat for the local grid. It’s circular in nature, thus emitting less greenhouse gasses; CO2, methane and nitrous oxide.

Transformative waste management

Harnessing the power of biogas means participating in an eco-friendly cycle, recycling organic waste from various sectors. By converting industry and household waste into energy, we’re demonstrating a model of efficient and beneficial resource management.

Recirculating nutrients

The fertiliser derived from biogas production contains considerably less odour inconveniences — all while increasing field yields and protecting subsoil water and drinking water contamination due to improved nitrogen exploitation.

Optimized plant growth

Crops respond better to fermented manure, with enhanced nutrient absorption leading to improved yields. This benefit not only promises healthier crops but also ensures food security and optimized agricultural productivity.

Guarding our water sources

By promoting optimized nitrogen utilization, biogas production indirectly ensures that our groundwater remains uncontaminated. Moreover, by reducing nitrogen leaching, we're shielding our drinking water sources from potential pollution.

Cost-efficient agriculture

The byproduct of biogas diminishes the reliance on artificial fertilizers. With enriched organic outputs from the biogas process, agricultural operations can see reduced costs and like an increase in natural produce.

“With biogas, we create symbiosis with the industry, the metropolises, and agriculture. This is the primary driver for creating circular systems with our many and diverse partners”

Karsten Buchhave
Founder, Bigadan

Do you want to learn more?

Our dedicated team of sourcing experts are ready to inform you or help you move further in your journey. Reach out today and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.