Production and utilization of methane biogas as renewable fuel

This chapter discusses the possible methods of methane (CH₄) production from various organic biomass and the different mechanisms. Additionally, research on the utilization of CH₄ as a renewable and sustainable fuel has become a major concern in recent decades. Biomass such as lignocellulose, algae, and agricultural wastes are considered as promising renewable substrates which can be used in various domestic and commercial applications such as for direct heating, generation of electricity and also in fermentation systems. Methane, which is used as a biogas, is the main product formed in anaerobic digestion (AD) for energy and heat generation processes. The objective of this chapter is to summarize the information regarding the applicability of anaerobic digestion of microalgae biomass for methane production. In this context, analysis of the effects of various operational parameters, production systems, and characteristics of microalgae on methane fermentation are included. Additionally, approaches to enhance methane production from microalgae biomass, including various pretreatment methods and anaerobic co-digestion process are discussed.