Countries around the globe are getting serious about reducing their reliance on petroleum based fuels. And with the world economy the way it is, it couldn’t have come any sooner. Problems such as failing banks and the mortgage crisis in the United States are shaking the world’s economies and accelerating research and development of alternative fuels.

Countries throughout the world, especially in Europe and the United States, are providing financial incentives to small and large companies, to come up with alternative fuel technologies and alternative fuel sources.

Along with grants and tax breaks for research and development on ethanol, methanol, cellulosic ethanol, biobutanol, electric and hydrogen, governments are funding research and development on another alternative fuel source called Biogas.

What is Biogas?

Biogas is a gas created from organic matter. It is broken down using a technique that utilizes its decomposition without oxygen. This alternative fuel source is made up mostly of methane (0% - 80%). It also has a percentage of carbon dioxide (20% - 50%) and traces of other gases such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen.

Don’t confuse Biogas with traditional natural gas. Natural gas is made up of more than 70% methane, with the balance made up of hydrocarbons such as propane and butane. Natural gas only contains small amounts of carbon dioxide and other contaminants. Biogas is sometimes called swamp gas, landfill gas, or digester gas. When its composition is upgraded to a higher standard of purity, it can be called renewable natural gas.

Who’s Using Biogas Today?

China is the major user of Biogas. In fact, it is estimated that China has more than 10 million Biogas systems. Biogas produces electricity, heat and steam and is used in chemical production. In automobiles, it is mainly being used in Europe and Scandinavia.

Biogas As An Alternative Fuel

Biogas can be purified. This upgraded fuel source can be used as an alternative to natural gas without modifications to the natural gas burning engine. This is an outstanding benefit, considering the cost of engine upgrades.

In 2007, a report estimated that only 12,000 cars worldwide were using this gas. It is anticipated that the number will rise to over 70,000 by 2010. Europe has the most of these vehicles. Half of Sweden’s 11,500 natural gas vehicles are using Biogas and its performance has been well received.

Europe currently leads the world in the use of natural gas and propane gas (called Liquefied Petroleum gas) as an alternative fuel source for its vehicles. Most of them are in the transportation sector.

The Future of Biogas

The United States lags behind the rest of the world in applying this technology as a commercial fuel source. However, the state of affairs of the U.S economy, combined with global warming concerns, has accelerated research and development on this fuel in American research labs.

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