Biogas - Typical Composition

Typical composition of biogas produced from household waste

Biogas can be produced from several biomass resources. Typically by anaerobic digestion with an anaerobic bacteria or by fermentation of biodegradable materials such as :

•  crops
• manure
• sewage
• municipal waste
• green waste
• plant material

Typical composition of biogas produced from household waste is indicated below :

Substance	Weight (%)
	Typical	Range
Ash	25	15 - 40
Carbon	25	15 - 35
Chlorine	0.7	0.5 - 1.0
Hydrogen	3	2 - 5
Nitrogen	0.6	0.2 - 1.0
Oxygen	18	12 - 24
Sulphur	0.003	0.002 - 0.6
Water	20	15 - 35

The energy released by the combustion of methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide (CO) in the biogas can be used for any heating purpose. The energy can also be used in gas engines to produce electricity.

Compressed biogas can be used to power motor vehicles