Technical, Economic, Social, and Environmental Dimensions in Biogas Energy Development

Abstract

Biogas energy has emerged as a sustainable, renewable energy source that can help tackle global issues like energy security, climate change, waste management, and the development of a circular economy. It is produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic materials such as agricultural leftovers, livestock manure, municipal solid waste, food waste, and wastewater sludge. Biogas presents significant opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while generating renewable electricity, heat, and biomethane. Despite gaining more attention from researchers, the existing studies are often fragmented. They usually focus on individual technical, economic, environmental, or social aspects without properly looking at how these areas are connected. This study carries aims to bring together current knowledge on biogas energy development and to clarify the factors that influence its successful implementation. The study integrates peer-reviewed studies published from 2015 to 2026, gathered from major scholarly peer-reviewed journal articles. The selected literature is analyzed using a structured systematic review method to pinpoint key research themes, drivers for implementation, technological innovations, barriers, and outcomes related to sustainability in biogas energy systems. The findings categorize the main factors affecting biogas development into five major areas: availability of feedstock, anaerobic digestion technology, recovery and use of resources, policy and financial support, and applications of end-use energy. Additionally, the review assesses the numerous benefits and barriers from technical, economic, environmental, and social viewpoints, emphasizing their connected relationships within sustainable energy systems. The study adds to the growing literature on renewable energy by putting forward a combined conceptual framework that illustrates the interactions among these four sustainability dimensions in biogas energy development. The framework shows how technological improvements boost environmental performance, economic feasibility, and social acceptance while also recognizing the challenges tied to investment costs, operational complexity, policy uncertainty, and engagement with stakeholders. Lastly, the review points out new research directions and offers practical advice for policymakers, researchers, industry professionals, and investors who want to speed up the adoption of biogas technologies and aid the global shift toward a low-carbon circular economy.