While biogas production offers significant environmental benefits, it can also have some unintended negative effects. These include emissions that affect air, soil, and water quality, potentially harming entire ecosystems. Fortunately, there are strategies that can reduce or even eliminate these impacts. Here are some key actions that can help:

Optimizing biomass transportation routes: Reducing the distance for transporting organic waste to the biogas plant saves fuel and reduces CO₂ emissions, making the entire production process more sustainable.

Frequent equipment maintenance: During the biogas production process, small amounts of gas can leak, adding to carbon emissions. Nutrients may also leach into the soil, affecting water quality. Regular checks and maintenance of equipment can minimize leaks and protect the environment.

Closed digestate storage: One of the highest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in biogas production is the storage of digestate. Open storage releases methane and CO₂ into the air, increasing the carbon footprint. Using closed storage significantly reduces these emissions and helps combat climate change.

Controlled use of digestate as fertilizer: Digestate is often used as a natural fertilizer for crops, but improper application can lead to ammonia emissions, harnessing the soil. Applying digestate directly into the soil, rather than spreading it on the surface, limits its exposure to the air and reduces these emissions, protecting soil quality.

Ensuring appropriate digestate quantity & nutrient profile: The right amount of digestate should be applied to match the soil’s nutrient needs. Overuse can disrupt the soil and pollute water. Regular soil tests and further processing of the digestate can help ensure it is applied in the right amounts, preventing water contamination and supporting healthy crop growth.

By implementing these sustainable solutions, biogas producers can greatly reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a greener future.