The prospects for biogas—A European point of view

Abstract

In many parts of the world, alternative energy sources are already needed or will be needed to augment fossil fuel supplies. ‘Biogas’, methanol, ethanol and hydrogen are all potentially useful in this respect, as they can be obtained (biologically or thermochemically) from renewable resources like biomass (trees, crops, etc.) and organic wastes (sewage, domestic refuse, animal manure). Some aspects of biofuel research and development in Member States of the European Community are highlighted, and estimates of the contributions that these fuels might make to current and future energy demands are reviewed. Some of the potential uses of biogases and liquid biofuels in a gas industry context are described. In the author's opinion, production of biogases and other biofuels will ultimately play a significant but relatively small rôle in conserving supplies of natural gas and other fossil fuels, and in alleviating or preventing environmental pollution.