GOBER GAS

Gober gas (also spelt as "Gobar gas", from the Hindi word "gober" for cow dung) is biogas generated out of cow dung. In India, gober gas is generated using countless household micro plants (an estimated more than 2 million). In Pakistan the concept is also quickly growing. The Government of Pakistan provides 50% funds for the construction of moveable gas chamber biogas plants^{[citation needed]}. The gober gas plant is an airtight circular pit made of concrete with a pipe connection. The manure is directed to the pit, usually directly from the cattle shed. The pit is then filled with a required quantity of water or wastewater. The gas pipe is connected to the kitchen fire place through control valves. The flammable methane gas generated out of this is largely odourless and smokeless. The residue left after the extraction of the gas is used as fertiliser. Owing to its simplicity in implementation and use of cheap raw materials in the villages, it is often quoted as one of the most environmentally sound energy source for the rural needs.

BIO GAS

Biogas typically refers to a gas produced by the biological breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. Biogas originates from biogenic material and is a type of biofuel.

One type of biogas is produced by anaerobic digestion or fermentation of biodegradable materials such as biomass, manure or sewage, municipal waste, green waste and energy crops^[1]. This type of biogas comprises primarily methane and carbon dioxide. The other principal type of biogas is wood gas which is created by gasification of wood or other biomass. This type of biogas is comprised primarily of nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide, with trace amounts of methane.

The gases methane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide can be combusted or oxidized with oxygen. Air contains 21% oxygen. This energy release allows biogas to be used as a fuel. Biogas can be used as a low-cost fuel in any country for any heating purpose, such as cooking. It can also be used in modern waste management facilities where it can be used to run any type of heat engine, to generate either mechanical or electrical power. Biogas can be compressed, much like natural gas, and used to power motor vehicles and in the UK for example is estimated to have the potential to replace around 17% of vehicle fuel ^[2]. Biogas is a renewable fuel, so it qualifies for renewable energy subsidies in some parts of the world.