The benefits of biogas

Biogas (methane) is produced naturally when pig manure decays in places where oxygen is absent, such as the bottom of a treatment lagoon.

Biogas is a source of renewable energy for pork producers which can reduce or eliminate energy costs or earn income from export of electricity to the grid. However, if untapped, biogas contributes to 60 per cent of the total on-farm greenhouse gas emissions for Australian pork production. 

Producers should investigate capturing and burning biogas to improve the environmental and business performance of a piggery. The 4 Talking Topic manuals produced under the Bioenergy Support Program discuss the benefits of biogas, how to manage it safely, how covered lagoons work and how to clean piggery biogas for economic and environmental benefits.

Value for producers:

• Producers can reduce their cost of production and greenhouse gas emissions by effectively capturing biogas. This can be achieved through on-site use of biogas or through income for electricity exports.