A critical review of biogas production and usage with legislations framework across the globe

Int J Environ Sci Technol (Tehran). 2022;19(4):3377-3400. doi: 10.1007/s13762-021-03301-6. Epub 2021 May 16.

Authors

S Abanades¹, H Abbaspour², A Ahmadi³, B Das⁴, M A Ehyaei⁵, F Esmaeilion⁶, M El Haj Assad⁷, T Hajilounezhad⁸, D H Jamali⁹, A Hmida¹⁰, H A Ozgoli¹¹, S Safari¹², M AlShabi¹³, E H Bani-Hani¹⁴

Affiliations

¹ Processes, Materials, and Solar Energy Laboratory, PROMES-CNRS, 7 Rue du Four Solaire, 66120 Font-Romeu, France.
² Department of Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
³ School of New Technologies, Iran University of Science & Technology, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
⁴ Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Silchar, Silchar, Asaam 788010 India.
⁵ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pardis Branch, Islamic Azad University, Pardis New City, Iran.
⁶ Department of Energy Systems Engineering, School of Advance Technologies, Iran University of Science & Technology (IUST), Tehran, Iran.
⁷ Sustainable & Renewable Energy Engineering Department, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
⁸ Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA.
⁹ School of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
¹⁰ R, L. Applied Thermodynamic, National Engineering School of Gabes, University of Gabes, Gabes, Tunisia.
¹¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Sh. Ehsani Rad St., Enqelab StParsa SqAhmadabad Mostoufi RdAzadegan Highway, 3313193685 Tehran, Iran.
¹² Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Daneshgah Blvd, Simon Bolivar Blvd, 1477893855 Tehran, Iran.
¹³ Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE.
¹⁴ Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Australian College of Kuwait, Kuwait City, Kuwait.

Abstract

This review showcases a comprehensive analysis of studies that highlight the different conversion procedures attempted across the globe. The resources of biogas production along with treatment methods are presented. The effect of different governing parameters like feedstock types, pretreatment approaches, process development, and yield to enhance the biogas productivity is highlighted. Biogas applications, for example, in heating, electricity production, and transportation with their global share based on national and international statistics are emphasized. Reviewing the world research progress in the past 10 years shows an increase of ~ 90% in biogas industry (120 GW in 2019 compared to 65 GW in 2010). Europe (e.g., in 2017) contributed to over 70% of the world biogas generation representing 64 TWh. Finally, different regulations that manage the biogas market are presented. Management of biogas market includes the processes of exploration, production, treatment, and environmental impact assessment, till the marketing and safe disposal of wastes associated with biogas handling. A brief overview of some safety rules and proposed policy based on the world regulations is provided. The effect of these regulations and policies on marketing and promoting biogas is highlighted for different countries. The results from such studies show that Europe has the highest promotion rate, while nowadays in China and India the consumption rate is maximum as a result of applying up-to-date policies and procedures.

Keywords: Application; Biogas; Electricity; Heating.

Publication types

Review