Biogas
Biogas is gas released when organic matter, such as plant biomass, animal waste, and landfill waste, breaks down.
Methane is a powerful biogas that forms in landfills. It slowly builds as waste decays under soil and pressure. Methane from landfills is highly flammable, clean burning, and renewable. Power plants use methane to produce electricity. Methane biogas is also a valuable cooking and heating fuel.
Fuel for Thought
Can elephant waste be our new big supply of biogas? Maybe, elephants and other zoo animals already provide biomass. The Dallas Zoo has a plan to turn animal manure and yard waste into power. Instead of paying to have animal waste removed, the zoo will use it to produce biogas. The biogas will power a generator to produce electricity for the zoo.