Leading biogas producing countries in 2014 (in billion cubic meters)

China was the world’s leading producer of biogas in 2014, totaling some 15 billion cubic meters in production. The use of biogas plants is also common in developing nations where manure may be converted into biogas. In the United States, methane biogas from cow manure is being tested as a renewable source that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or as it is estimated that biogas from cow’s manure could produce enough energy to power millions of homes across the country.

What is Biogas?

Biogas is a mixture of gases, primarily methane and carbon dioxide, that is produced through the anaerobic (absence of oxygen) breakdown of organic matter, such as agricultural and municipal waste, plant materials, sewage, or food waste. The organic materials are produced within a closed system called an anaerobic digester, biodigester, or bioreactor. The gases contained within biogas can be combusted or oxidized, releasing energy to be used for direct heating or in gas engines to convert into electricity or heat.