Recent advances in biomass and biogas development and perspectives: bringing together geographical and sociological imaginations

Biogas from biomass appears to have potential as an alternative energy source, and biomass resources are available worldwide. This is an overview of some salient points and perspectives of biogas technology. The current literature is reviewed regarding the ecological, social, cultural and economic impacts of biogas technology. This article gives an overview of present and future use of biomass as an industrial feedstock for the production of fuels, chemicals and other materials. To be truly competitive in an open market situation, higher value products are required. Results suggest that biogas technology must be encouraged, promoted, invested in, implemented and demonstrated, especially in remote rural areas.