Comparative Evaluation of Biogas Production from Various Substrates : Biogas as Alternative Energy Source

Inadequate energy supply and environmental pollution are gargantuan problems confronting many developing nations of the world. The energy demanding lifestyle of the modern world calls for the generation of energy from alternative sources that are renewable and eco friendly. Rising crude oil prices and environmental pollution resulting from the exploration, processing and utilization of crude oil and its products have forced nations of the world to think about alternative sources of energy. Economic growth and the resultant heavy consumption of natural resources are responsible for pollution, global warming and production of acid rain etc. There is a consensus of opinion that achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Africa and other developing economies will require a significant expansion of access to modern and alternative renewable energy. Biogas energy could serve this purpose and can also be managed by locally available resources and simple technology especially for rural dwellers. Anaerobic digestion is one of the few biotechnologies that can simultaneously produce bioenergy (as methane biogas), reduce environmental pollution and recycle nutrients.