Abstract
Biogas typically refers to an odourless gas produced by anaerobic digestion (AD) of biomass using microorganisms. It has an approximate composition of 70-50% Methane (a combustible gas), 30-50% Carbon dioxide and other trace gases depending on the nature of the biomass. The idea of using the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) or simply municipal biowaste as feedstock for biogas production represents an environmentally sustainable energy source since it improves solid waste management while simultaneously providing an alternative clean energy source. Among other applications, the gas can be used for heating, cooking and electricity generation. However, notwithstanding, OFMSW as a feedstock for AD comes with its own unique challenges compared to other forms of biomass. This paper therefore reviews the specific opportunities, challenges and techno-economics of using OFMSW as sole feedstock supply for biogas production.