Bioenergy is renewable energy obtained from biomass-any organic material that has stored sunlight in the form of chemical energy. Biogas is among the biofuels that can be obtained from biomass resources, including biodegradable wastes like manure, sewage sludge, the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes, slaughterhouse waste, crop residues, and more recently lignocellulosic biomass and algae. Within the framework of the circular economy, biogas production from biodegradable waste is particularly interesting, as it helps to save resources while reducing environmental pollution. Besides, lignocellulosic biomass and algae do not compete for arable land with food crops (in contrast with energy crops). Hence, they constitute a novel source of biomass for bioenergy. Biogas plants may involve both high-tech and low-tech digesters, ranging from industrial-scale plants to small-scale farms and even households. They pose an alternative for decentralized bioenergy production in rural areas. Indeed, the biogas produced can be used in heaters, engines, combined heat and power units, and even cookstoves at the household level. Notwithstanding, digesters are considered to be a sustainable technology that can improve the living conditions of farmers by covering energy needs and boosting nutrient recycling. Thanks to their technical, socio-economic, and environmental benefits, rural biogas plants have been spreading around the world since the 1970s, with a large focus on farm-based systems and households. However, several challenges still need to be overcome in order to improve the technology and financial viability.

Anaerobic digestion of biomass to biogas, commonly occurring in natural anoxic ecosystems, is an excellent method for utilizing wastes and producing green energy. This book presents examples of local installations of AD, or their proposals, located at small factories, workplaces, and in rural areas and housing complexes. The facilities consider the specific nature of the region, site conditions, and specificity of the utilized wastes. They protect the environment and ensure dispersed energy production. The latter is of great economic significance due to its closeness to end customers. Small local installations expand the pool of renewable energy on a global scale.

Promoting rural entrepreneurship is a necessary step to limit the negative effects of classical agricultural policy based on a linear process and attracting secondary resources to the economic process. The analysis of agricultural policy and rural development in conjunction to entrepreneurship in terms of production may represent a further step in understanding the role and importance of diversifying the rural potentials in contemporary economies. The Handbook of Research on Agricultural Policy, Rural Development, and Entrepreneurship in Contemporary Economies is an essential publication of academic research that examines agricultural policy and its impact on shaping future resilient economy in rural areas and identifies green business models and new business patterns in rural communities. Covering a range of topics such as entrepreneurship, product management, and marketing, this book is ideal for researchers, policymakers, academicians, economists, agriculture professionals, rural developers, business investors, and students.

The global demand for energy is met mainly by fossil fuels. Their excessive and indiscriminate use, coupled with increasing demand for energy, will soon deplete their existing reserves. Therefore, it is extremely important to find alternative, environment-friendly, and ecologically sound sources of energy for meeting the present and future energy requirements. Biogas Technology: Towards Sustainable Development makes an attempt to explore the potential of utilizing biodegradable biomass as fuel and manure.

This Book Is Written With Special Focus On Issues Relating To Policies And Strategies For Planning And Implementation Of Biogas Programme. The Book Provides A Detailed Overview Of Biogas Technology Covering All The Facets. It Provides Comprehensive History And Progress Of Biomethanation In Select Countries And Regions Where It Has Made Special Mark. It Provides A Detailed Overview Of Developments In India Covering Historical Perspectives, Biogas Potential, Chronological Progress Of Biomethanation, And Enumerates References Made To Biogas At Important Seminars And Conferences By Eminent Personalities From India And Abroad. It Comprehensively Spells Out Various Implementation Strategies Particularly The Turnkey Approach Which Is Largely Responsible For Bringing Biogas Revolution In India Judging By The Unprecedented Spurt In The Number Of Biogas Plants Installed In Recent Years.It Consolidates The Findings And Recommendations Of Several Socio-Economic Surveys On Biomethanation Undertaken In Past In India From Time To Time. It Presents Case-Studies Of Several Community Biogas Plants Which Have Greatly Helped In Improving The Rural Economy. It Also Provides An Overview Of Energy Needs Of Developing Countries, Reviews Integrated Rural Energy Programme (Irep) And The Urjagram Programmes Of The Union Government As Supportive Programmes For Biomethanation, And Views Biogas Programme As An Instrument Of Sustainable Development. It Discusses At Length The Economics And Cost- Effectiveness Of Biogas Systems.The Book Also Identifies Areas For Further Studies And Looks Forward That Biomethanation Will Scale New Eights Even When The Subsidies Are Completely Withdrawn And Market-Driven Approach Under The New Economic Policy Governs The Biogas Programme. In Short, The Book Covers All Related Aspects Involving Policies, Progress And Prospects Of Biomethanation In India And Abroad.

With reference to India.