To produce biogas, biomass is stored in sealed digesters where it ferments to form biogas. Biomass may consist of organic waste or manure from cows or other animals. In countries such as India and Vietnam, families use gas generated from small biogas facilities for cooking, thereby avoiding the use of wood or charcoal. 

Additional greenhouse gas reduction is achieved given biomass is prevented from rotting in the open air, otherwise releasing methane (CH4).