Biogas as a solution to energy challenge.

AFTER electricity loadshedding in the summer, shortage of natural gas for heating homes in these harsh winters is the new crisis people across the country have been facing. Pakistan is not alone in facing a severe energy crisis, as the rest of the world, especially Europe, is also suffering from gas shortages for various reasons, the most relevant currently being the lack of natural gas supply from Russia owing to its war with Ukraine.

Pakistanis, however, are no strangers to the shortage of natural gas, especially in winters, as gas loadshedding has been a norm in large parts of the country for as long as anyone can remember. But this year the gas situation is perhaps the worst, with gas loadshedding in cities and areas that had never suffered on this count in the past.

Although households, commercial establishments and government offices have adopted renewable energy sources, like solar panels, in recent years, special attention needs to be given to what could be a 'gold mine' when it comes to natural gas.

The natural gas, more commonly known as Sui gas in Pakistan, is essentially methane in its composition. This methane is currently available in multiple forms, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and natural gas.

The least used option is that of biogas. At the government level, it is practically nonexistent.

Methane produced from biodegra-dable sources is a practical solution to our crisis, as animal dung, or manure, is produced...