What does a biogas consultant or biogas expert do? Biogas is a naturally occurring mixture of gases consisting mostly of methane and carbon dioxide and is produced from the decay of organic matter. The production of biogas by commercial means is performed in landfills (landfill gas), anaerobic (without oxygen), and aerobic (with oxygen) digesters, covered and uncovered lagoons, and composting piles. In anaerobic, some aerobic and lagoon digesters the biogas is captured and used as a renewable energy or renewable fuels resource. It is important to capture the biogas from decaying organic waste as biogas is a significant contributor to greenhouse gasses containing carbon dioxide and methane which is 20 times more harmful than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.
According to the United Nations, we dump 2.12 billion tons of waste every year, with the U.S. alone producing more than 70 million tons of organic waste annually. Without proper management, these wastes pose a significant risk to the environment and public health as the pathogens, chemicals, and other things in them can contaminate surface and ground waters. As they decompose, these organic wastes generate large amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere more efficiently than carbon dioxide. Given equal amounts of methane and carbon dioxide, methane will absorb 86 times more heat in 20 years than carbon dioxide. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the risk of pollution, organic waste needs to be removed and used to produce biogas, a renewable source of energy. Yet, despite the numerous potential benefits of organic waste utilization, the United States currently only has 2,200 operating biogas systems, representing less than 20 percent of the total potential.
A biogas consultant or expert is a consultant with significant experience and education in the production and utilization of biogas with a deep knowledge of aerobic and anaerobic digesters, organic feedstocks, or biomasses that can be used to produce biogas, methods, and technologies to produce and utilize the biogas as renewable energy or renewable fuels. Typically, education includes a degree or background in civil or environmental engineering, biology, or related engineering and science fields.
A biogas consultant or expert can provide feedstock analysis and sourcing, assist in the design and selection of technology to produce or use the biogas as renewable energy or fuel, perform due diligence studies of project sites, projects, and provide expertise in the design, construction, commissioning, and operations of biogas production plants. A biogas consultant will also have expertise in various anaerobic digestion technologies and biogas treatment technologies. (See also Anaerobic Digestion Expert and Renewable Natural Gas Consultant or Expert.)
For over 25 years, Lee Enterprises Consulting has been assisting companies and investors with issues relating to bioenergy, biofuels, biomaterials and chemicals, biotechnologies, and feedstocks. With over 150 consultants, we have the diverse expertise and geographical reach to assist in virtually any bioeconomy project worldwide. These seasoned professionals average over 30 years in industry experience. Our ability to assemble these professionals into multidisciplinary teams allows us to fully integrate the technical, scientific, and regulatory aspects of a project, and combine them with years of hands-on experience. Take a look at our experts and the services we provide. You will note that most of our experts are also available for ancillary engagements and advice, for specialty engagements like serving as expert witnesses in litigation matters. A recent interview with our top executives is found here. Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for more information. See Biogas Production, Treatment and Utilization.
