Biogas - Composition

Typical composition of biogas produced from household waste through anaerobic digestion of organic resources such as crops, manure, sewage, municipal waste, green waste, and plant material.

SubstanceTypical (%)Range (%)
Ash2515 - 40
Carbon2515 - 35
Chlorine0.70.5 - 1.0
Hydrogen32 - 5
Nitrogen0.60.2 - 1.0
Oxygen1812 - 24
Sulphur0.0030.002 - 0.6
Water2015 - 35

About Biogas

Biogas can be produced from many organic resources through anaerobic (without oxygen) digestion with anaerobic bacteria or by fermentation of biodegradable materials such as:

  • Crops
  • Manure
  • Sewage
  • Municipal waste
  • Green waste
  • Plant material

Energy Applications

The energy released by combustion of the methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide (CO) in the biogas can be used for:

  • Heating purposes
  • Gas engines to produce electricity
  • Powering motor vehicles (as compressed biogas)