<p>Biogas is increasingly recognized as a pivotal component in the global transition toward sustainable energy systems, contributing directly to climate change mitigation (SDG 13) and universal access to clean energy (SDG 7). Derived from the microbial decomposition of organic matter, biogas production reduces greenhouse gas emissions, diverts organic waste from landfills, and strengthens energy resilience in both decentralized and agricultural contexts. This study aims to critically assess the evolution, structure, and thematic focus of global biogas research over the period 2010–2024. A bibliometric analysis of 1896 peer-reviewed publications was conducted using the Scopus/Web of Science databases and VOSviewer software to map research trends, co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence patterns, and cluster development across the biogas lifecycle. The results reveal five dominant research streams: feedstock characterization, anaerobic digestion optimization, gas composition analysis, upgrading technologies, and diverse end-use applications. Key findings highlight increasing interest in integrated approaches for hydrogen and methane co-production, enhanced gas upgrading methods, and sector-specific applications in transport, electricity generation, and agriculture. Despite these advancements, persistent barriers remain, including high capital costs, seasonal feedstock availability, technological inefficiencies, and fragmented policy support. The study concludes that while biogas offers substantial opportunities for advancing circular economy and sustainable development goals, its large-scale deployment will require targeted innovation, improved process integration, and coherent policy frameworks. This review provides a knowledge roadmap to support future research and policy-making aimed at scaling biogas as a versatile and sustainable energy carrier.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>