Valorization of agricultural waste for biogas based circular economy in India: A research outlook

Abstract

Environmental deterioration and the need for energy security are intrinsic problems linked with the linear economy based on fossil fuels. Recently, a transformation to a sustainable circular bio-economy is being experienced where biomass waste is being valorized for energy production as well as minimization of waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The agricultural waste, generated in vast quantities in India is a prospective feedstock for biogas production. Agri-waste to biogas based circular economy requires an integration of agri-waste management, biogas production and utilization and policy support. This paper comprehensively discusses the potential of biogas production from agricultural waste, its upgradation and utilization along with the government initiatives, policy regulations. In addition, barriers that impede the development of an efficient agri-waste to biogas based circular economy, and the future research opportunities to meet the growing needs for agri-waste management, energy production and climate change mitigation are discussed.

Keywords: Agricultural waste; Anaerobic digestion; Bio-methane; Biogas upgrading; Circular economy.