Agriculture Residue: A Potential Source for Biogas Production

Abstract

To achieve energy security and to address energy related environmental issues attempts have been made to find out such energy resources that are economically viable and environmentally friendly. Biogas appears as a sustainable, renewable and carbon neutral energy source, a substitute to reduce the global fossil fuels dependency. Agricultural activities generate huge amounts of organic residues annually worldwide. Microbial conversion of agriculture residue and organic wastes to produce biogas offers an attractive way for energy supply, resource recovery and waste treatment. Energy generated is renewable can have positive impact on environment, replacing fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gases emissions. In addition to a clean and cost effective energy source, it improves the management of manure and organic wastes and replaces inorganic fertilizer. Biogas production in the agricultural sector is a fast growing market particularly in many European countries. This article is aimed to review and investigate the potential contribution of biogas from agricultural residues. Techniques for quantitative assessment of the residue from different crops that can be recovered sustainably as a potential resource for biogas production are discussed.