Biomethanation

Biomethanation is the process by which microorganisms break down organic matter (food waste, agricultural residue, sewage sludge) in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic conditions) to produce biogas — a mixture of methane (50–70%) and carbon dioxide. The methane can be used for cooking, electricity generation, or compressed as vehicle fuel. Biomethanation is a key alternative to landfilling for wet organic waste — it converts a climate liability (landfill methane) into a renewable energy asset.

• 1 Biomethanation = anaerobic digestion of organic waste → biogas (methane + CO₂) + digestate (fertiliser)
• 2 Key difference from composting — composting is aerobic (needs oxygen); biomethanation is anaerobic
• 3 1 tonne of organic waste produces approximately 100–150 m³ of biogas (60% methane)
• 4 Biogas can substitute LPG for cooking or generate electricity (~2 kWh per m³)
• 5 India's National Bioenergy Programme (2022) targets 4.8 million cubic metres per day of biogas
• 6 Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 mandate organic waste processing but compliance is <20%
• 7 Jawaharnagar (Hyderabad) emits 5.9 t/hr methane — if captured via biomethanation, equivalent to powering 500 MW plant
• 8 Surat model — door-to-door segregation feeding biomethanation plants; 90%+ waste processed
• 9 GOBAR-DHAN scheme — Government's biogas programme for villages; links to Swachh Bharat Mission

Had Jawaharnagar's 5.9 tonnes/hour of escaping methane been captured in a biomethanation plant instead, it could have powered approximately 500 MW of electricity generation — turning India's 4th largest methane landfill from a climate liability into a renewable energy asset.