Applied Biogas Technology: Converting Organic Waste to Energy

Biogas is renewable natural gas produced from organic waste. This course explains how biogas is produced, the equipment needed, and how to estimate yield.
Applied Biogas Technology: Converting Organic Waste to Energy - Online Courses
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Length of Access: 365 days
Sections: 5
Length: 3 hours
Language: English
Note: Course includes simple math and chemical equations.

Starting at FREE

* Required Fields

Starting at FREE


Biogas is a renewable form of natural gas produced from biomass waste or other materials. Producing biogas is a good way to extract energy from waste products and can work well on farms, at food processing plants, and in other locations as well.

In this asynchronous, self-paced course, videos will teach you about the chemistry of biogas, how it is produced, and the advantages of biogas over fossil fuel. You will learn about the different types of production systems available and the equipment needed to produce and utilize biogas through short readings, images, and videos. Check your learning questions after each section will help you apply what you learn.

Once you understand the basics of biogas, readings and videos will teach you how to estimate biogas yield from various organic waste products, the costs of a biogas operation, and the potential income. Finally, a video will guide you step-by-step through an example cost estimation for a biogas digester. To help you remember what you have learned, you can download and print a biogas reference sheet that lists important facts, formulas, and tables from the course, including the information you need to do your own calculations.

Who is this for?
  • Anyone who is interested in learning about, using, or promoting the use of biogas from anaerobic digestion at farms, homes, and businesses
What will you learn?

You will learn how to:

  • Differentiate between renewable energy and sustainable energy
  • Identify the major types of biogas
  • Identify the key components of a biogas system
  • Estimate biogas yield from a given feedstock
  • Identify scenarios that are favorable for biogas project development
  • Carry out a simple economic analysis of a biogas system


Agri-Energy Economic Development

More by Edward Johnstonbaugh 

Bioenergy Biomass Energy Systems Thermochemical Conversion Energy Efficiency Controlled Environment Agriculture Solar Energy Resource Evaluation

More by Daniel Ciolkosz, P.E. 





What happens after I register for an online course?
What if I do not receive an activation e-mail after completing course registration?
How do I register for a course or make a purchase over the phone?
How long does it take to complete an online course?
Do I have to complete an online course within a certain timeframe? Will I ever lose access to an online course?
Are online courses graded?
Do online courses have assignments or quizzes?
Do I receive any credits or certification for completing an online course?
How will I access my certificate once I complete an online course?
What materials will I need to complete an online course?
Is there technical support for online courses?
Can I enroll in multiple online courses at one time?
What are the technical requirements for online courses?
I am not a Penn State student. Can I enroll in an online course?
Will online courses go on a college transcript?
Who can take online courses? Are there any prerequisites?
Can I register a group for an online course?
Who are the online course instructors?
Are online courses accessible for people who require special needs or services?
What do I do if I have a question about a specific online course?