Why Biogas Could Be the Missing Link in the Future of Clean Energy

BRT PhD student and junior researcher AbdulAzeez Shobajo recently wrote a think piece about the role of biogas in the future of clean energy. Enjoy reading! 

How close are we on our quest towards a sustainable future? Well, wen’re making significant strides, but we’re not there yet. Renewable energy is booming. Solar and wind power are now the cheapest sources of electricity in most parts of the world. In a report by International Energy Agency, Over 80% of new electricity capacity in 2024 came from renewables. But  let’s talk about another big elephant in the room; Biogas.

Biogas, produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic matter, turns everyday organic waste into energy. Instead of letting organic waste rot in landfills or pollute waterways, we can harness it in biogas systems to generate electricity, heat, or even vehicle fuel, while also producing nutrient-rich fertilizer as a byproduct. This technology also displaces fossil fuels and cuts greenhouse gas emissions, making biogas a key player in the transition to a cleaner, more circular economy.

Biogas contributes to sustainability across various sectors. In waste management, it diverts organic materials away from landfills and open dumping, significantly reducing local pollution and associated health hazards. In emissions reduction, biogas captures methane that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere and offsets fossil fuel usage, offering a double climate benefit. In terms of energy security, biogas provides locally produced, dispatchable, and storable energy that can support communities even during periods of energy instability. In agriculture, digestate enhances soil structure and fertility, boosting crop yields while reducing dependence on synthetic inputs. Economically, biogas creates green jobs, especially in rural areas, and supports local income generation for farmers and entrepreneurs involved in feedstock supply and plant operations.

Global Trends and Policy Momentum

Global biogas production has grown steadily over the past decade, led by Europe and the United States, and is projected to accelerate through 2028 as more countries expand biogas capacity.

Biogas production is growing steadily across the globe. As of 2022, global biogas and biomethane output reached 445 terawatt-hours (TWh), which is equivalent to the entire electricity consumption of Argentina. Europe remains the global leader, with Germany operating nearly 10,000 biogas digesters. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has projected a 32% increase in global biogas and biomethane production between 2023 and 2028, underscoring strong policy and market momentum.

This growth is fueled by supportive national policies. The European Union’s REPowerEU plan aims to produce 35 billion cubic meters of biomethane annually by 2030, replacing a significant portion of imported fossil gas. The United States has updated its Renewable Fuel Standard to include more biogas-based fuels and offers tax incentives for clean energy projects. In India, the SATAT initiative targets the construction of 5,000 compressed biogas (CBG) plants to fuel transportation and supplement grid energy. China’s current Five-Year Plan prioritizes agricultural waste-to-biogas projects as part of rural clean energy strategies. In Africa, innovative urban biogas projects, like the new plant at Ikosi Fruit Market in Lagos, are addressing food waste and powering essential services like lighting and refrigeration for market vendors.

Biogas is also shifting from small-scale, on-site energy production to becoming a mainstream renewable gas commodity. In California’s Central Valley, dairy farm clusters are converting manure into RNG that fuels commercial truck fleets. In Toronto, green bin household waste is processed into RNG that powers the city’s garbage trucks, creating a closed-loop waste-to-energy system. Denmark leads by example, supplying nearly 40% of its gas grid with biomethane and targeting 100% renewable gas before 2030.

Global investments reflect this trend. Shell’s $2 billion acquisition of Denmark’s Nature Energy and BP’s $4.1 billion purchase of Archaea Energy in the U.S. indicate strong commercial interest. Social enterprises like Sistema.bio are scaling up the production of small biodigesters, aiming to reach thousands of smallholder farmers across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Rather than competing with solar or wind, biogas complements other renewable sources. Its dispatchability makes it a reliable backup for intermittent energy, while its versatility enables the decarbonization of hard-to-electrify sectors like heavy transport and industrial heating. Biomethane can be used in existing gas infrastructure, reducing the costs and disruptions associated with energy system transitions.

To fully realize its potential, the biogas sector requires continued innovation, including better digester efficiency, low-cost upgrading technologies, and improved methane capture to prevent leaks. Policy consistency is equally important as government agencies must sustain incentives, grants, and clear regulatory frameworks to ensure biogas remains competitive and sustainable. Finally, public engagement plays a vital role in successful deployment, from waste separation habits to community acceptance of biogas facilities.

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