INTRODUCTION:

Intro-
Biogas typically refers to a mixture of different gases produced by the breakdown of organic matter in
the absence of oxygen. Biogas can be produced from raw materials such as agricultural
waste, manure, municipal waste, plant material, sewage, green waste or food waste. Biogas is a renewable
energy source.
Biogas can be produced by anaerobic digestion with anaerobic organisms, which digest material inside a
closed system, or fermentation of biodegradable materials.[1]
Biogas is primarily methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and may have small amounts of hydrogen
sulfide (H2S), moisture and siloxanes. The gases methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide (CO) can be
combusted or oxidized with oxygen. This energy release allows biogas to be used as a fuel; it can be used for
any heating purpose, such as cooking. It can also be used in a gas engine to convert the energy in the gas into
electricity and heat.

Biogas in India has been traditionally based on dairy manure as feed stock and these "gobar" gas plants have
been in operation for a long period of time, especially in rural India. In the last 2-3 decades, research
organizations with a focus on rural energy security have enhanced the design of the systems resulting in
newer efficient low cost designs such as the Deenabandhu model.
Advantages and Benefits of Biogas-

1. Provides a non-polluting and renewable source of energy.

2. Efficient way of energy conversion (saves fuelwood).
3. Saves women and children from drudgery of collection and carrying of firewood, exposure to smoke in the
kitchen, and time consumed for cooking and cleaning of utensils.
4. Produces enriched organic manure, which can supplement or even replace chemical fertilizers.
5. Leads to improvement in the environment, and sanitation and hygiene.
6. Provides a source for decentralized power generation.
7. Leads to employment generation in the rural areas.
8. Household wastes and bio-wastes can be disposed of usefully and in a healthy manner.
9. The technology is cheaper and much simpler than those for other bio-fuels, and it is ideal for small scale
application.
10. Dilute waste materials (2-10% solids) can be used as in feed materials.
11. Any biodegradable matter can be used as substrate.
12. Anaerobic digestion inactivates pathogens and parasites, and is quite effective in reducing the incidence of
water borne diseases.
13. Environmental benefits on a global scale: Biogas plants significantly lower the greenhouse effects on the
earths atmosphere. The plants lower methane emissions by entrapping the harmful gas and using it as
fuel.
Where/How many People-

Biogas technology provides an alternate source of energy in rural India, and is hailed as an archetypal
appropriate technology that meets the basic need for cooking fuel in rural areas. Using local resources, viz.
cattle waste and other organic wastes, energy and manure are derived. So it is a feasible plan to popularize
the concept of Biogas production and management unit in the rural areas of BINURIA, Birbhum, West Bengal.
It is expected that about 50 families and households are to be taken and benefited under this plan.

Beneficiaries / expected outcome-

The plan is to benefit the families and households in Binuria Village and is aimed that the villagers
achieve the under said goals:

1. Save money:
With biogas, the families can reduce cooking fuel expenses by as much as 80%! A biogas system converts
organic household waste or manure into cooking fuel. Biogas replaces firewood, charcoal and kerosene.
2. Cook easily and quickly:
Cooking on biogas is faster and easier than cooking on charcoal or firewood. Biogas stoves do not take time to
heat up, so as soon as the stove is turned on, one can start cooking!
3. Improve your home:
Biogas is a modern source of energy for cooking and lighting. It is quick, easy and clean. Cooking on gas keeps
kitchen clean and tidy, and will protect families from the dangers of indoor air pollution.
4. Reduce your household waste:
Biogas systems convert organic household waste or manure into gas for cooking and lighting. This waste can
be leftovers (rice, ugali), vegetables (tomatoes, cabbage), peels of potatoes and fruit, etcetera. Instead of
throwing this away or leaving them (which will attract insects and pests), one can use it to produce energy!
Biogas helps to manage your waste and contributes to improved hygiene.
5. Produce you own organic fertilizer:
The biogas-slurry that comes out of biogas systems is rich in nutrients and can be applied directly to plants and
vegetables to help them grow. Biogas-slurry replaces chemical fertilizers. This saves money and is better for
the environment. This can serve as an alternative source of nutrient to the crops planted by the farmers of this
area.
6. Help the environment:
On average, each family that uses biogas reduces their use of firewood and charcoal by more than 60%. The
use of biogas slows down deforestation and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Biogas has a positive influence
on both climate change and the environment.