Biogas production is a basis for an economically and ecologically attractive use or re-use of locally available resources. For example, biogas plants offer access to clean energy for cooking in places such as Africa, Asia and Latin America. Because biogas plants use wastewater and livestock manure, wood is no longer needed for cooking. This not only creates new sources of income, but has a positive effect on the environment and health.

Biogas and compost plants are also becoming increasingly popular in Europe, often built on a larger scale than competing alternatives, yet remaining compliant with high safety and environmental standards. Gas production is based on the same principle, however.