Does Biogas Have a Future? Growth, challenges, and outlook
Biogas has long been part of the conversation around renewable energy, but its role is gaining new relevance. As the energy sector shifts toward more sustainable and decentralized systems, questions are being raised about which technologies are future-ready.
In this article, we’re not only asking about the future of biogas, we explore the current state of biogas, the challenges it faces, and the innovations that may shape its long-term role in the global energy mix.
Where biogas stands today as an energy source
Biogas is already being used in a range of energy systems around the world. It plays an important role in combined heat and power (CHP) units, on farms, at wastewater treatment plants, and in municipal waste facilities. By capturing and using methane from decomposing organic material, biogas systems generate energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In many cases, biogas is produced from waste streams like manure, crop residues, or food waste and is used directly on-site or upgraded to biomethane. In this state, it is used for vehicles or injection into the natural gas grid.
Although the technology isn’t new, it continues to find practical applications in sectors that value local, reliable, and circular energy systems.
Limitations — Why biogas is not yet widely used
Despite its advantages, biogas is still not as widely used as other renewable energy sources like wind or solar. One of the main reasons is infrastructure. Biogas systems require digesters, gas handling equipment, and in many cases, dedicated engines or turbines. The necessary equipment is a significant upfront investment.
Another barrier is technical complexity. Running a biogas system efficiently involves more than just feeding in organic material. Gas quality can vary, equipment must be carefully maintained, and operators need a good understanding of microbial processes and combustion dynamics.
There are also regional gaps in awareness and access. In areas where incentives or infrastructure are lacking, or where waste collection systems are underdeveloped, biogas isn’t a practical option.
Finally, competition from other renewables plays a role. Solar panels and wind turbines are often easier to install, require less ongoing management, and benefit from greater public visibility and policy support.
Is biogas a growing industry?
Even with these challenges, biogas is a growing industry. Across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, production capacity is increasing. Governments are introducing funding programs and feed-in tariffs, especially for upgraded biogas (biomethane), which can be used in existing natural gas infrastructure.
The global biogas market is also expanding as part of broader waste-to-energy and circular economy strategies. In agriculture, municipalities, and food processing, more organizations are looking for ways to recover value from organic waste and biogas provides a proven pathway.
What is biomass?
Biomass is organic material used to produce renewable energy. This article explains what biomass is, where it comes from, how it’s used, and what role it plays in today’s energy systems.
Drivers of biogas growth
Several key factors are supporting the future of biogas. The most important, among others, are:
- Methane reduction goals: Capturing methane from manure and landfills is a cost-effective way to cut short-term climate emissions.
- Decentralized energy: Biogas supports energy generation close to where the fuel is produced, increasing energy security and system resilience.
- Circular economy integration: Biogas transforms waste into energy and digestate, supporting nutrient cycling and reducing dependency on synthetic fertilizers.
- Policy support: From renewable gas mandates to biomethane incentives, many governments are actively encouraging biogas development.
These drivers show that biogas is part of a larger shift toward using resources more efficiently and locally.
Challenges and limitations involved in biogas production
Even with growing interest, biogas is not without limitations. Feedstock supply can be inconsistent, particularly for smaller plants that rely on seasonal or variable organic inputs. Gas composition can fluctuate depending on the material used, which makes engine optimization and gas treatment essential for stable operation.
There are also logistical challenges like transporting feedstock, handling digestate, and maintaining system uptime all require time, labor, and expertise.
Also, regulatory frameworks can vary widely between countries and regions. In some cases, permitting a biogas plant can be complex or time-consuming, which slows down development.
Innovation and future trends of biogas production
Technological advancements are helping address many of these barriers. Upgrading raw biogas into biomethane is becoming more efficient, with modular systems that can scale to fit smaller sites.
New types of feedstock, including algae, wastewater sludge, and co-digested industrial waste, are being explored to diversify input streams. At the same time, smart control systems are making digesters more stable, reducing the need for constant manual oversight.
Biogas is also being integrated into hybrid systems that combine multiple energy sources. In some cases, excess biogas can be stored, converted to hydrogen, or used in microgrids with solar and battery storage.
Does biogas have a future? A realistic outlook
So, does biogas have a future? The answer is yes — but it’s not the same future as solar or wind. Biogas is unlikely to dominate the energy mix, but it will remain a reliable, practical solution in specific sectors where organic waste is available and on-site energy is valuable.
It’s especially relevant for certain sectors like agriculture, food processing, wastewater treatment, and remote operations, where other renewables may be less effective or harder to implement.
Biogas systems can operate continuously, support energy independence, and help meet climate goals if they are paired with good system design and operational support. With the right conditions and ongoing innovation, biogas will continue to play a key role in decentralized, low-emission energy networks.
How PowerUP supports the efficient use of biogas through engine optimization
At PowerUP, we work with operators who rely on biogas as a daily energy source. Our focus is on helping them maintain consistent performance — even when fuel quality changes or conditions are challenging.
Our offers are tailored to make the most of our energy sources through::
- Engine optimization to improve combustion, even with fluctuating gas quality
- Condition-based maintenance that reduces downtime and extends service life
- High-quality parts and upgrades tailored to biogas engine demands
- Remote diagnostics for early detection of wear and performance loss
By supporting stable and efficient operation, we help ensure that biogas remains a reliable energy option — today and into the future.
