Energy Decarbonization Using Biogas as an Alternative Energy Source

The energy sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. However, the combustion of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. As a consequence, we are witnessing an increase in the frequency and severity of climate events, such as droughts and floods, which have a detrimental impact on the planet. Consequently, it is imperative to implement a sustainable development approach that reduces GHG emissions in order to mitigate the adverse and irreversible impacts in the near future. This could therefore begin with the decarbonization of the energy sector. The chain of energy supply should be detached from fossil fuels and prioritize the utilization of biofuels with a low carbon footprint. From that perspective, anaerobic digestion (AD) appears to be a promising option for contributing to the decarbonization of the energy sector. The process yields biogas, which can be used for generating heat and electricity or even upgraded to biomethane for the replacement of natural gas. Furthermore, AD is a mature technology that not only provides biofuels but also assists organic waste management. Accordingly, this chapter presents the potential of biogas production as an alternative to the decarbonization of the energy sector by considering some possible streams in a hypothetical AD plant.