Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Volume 13, Issue 9, December 2009, Pages 2668-2674
Biogas: A promising renewable technology and its impact on rural households in Nepal
Hari Katuwal, Alok K. Bohara,
Nepal, one of the least developed countries, is characterized by very low per capita energy consumption. Because of a lack of other commercial sources of energy, the country relies heavily on traditional fuel source, especially firewood. In order to solve the energy problem in rural areas, the country initiated production and distribution of several renewable energy technologies. Among several technologies, biogas has been proved to be viable and emerged as a promising technology. It has been one of the most successful models for the production of clean, environmental friendly, cost effective source of energy and has multiple benefits. In this paper we present the current state and discuss benefits of the biogas technology in Nepal. Improved health, increased crop productivity, saved time for women are some of the major benefits to the users. It provides economic benefit to the country through reduced deforestation and carbon trading. In addition, by reducing green house gas emission, the technology helps in mitigating global warming and climate change. Thus biogas is a renewable, sustainable and clean source of energy that provides multiple benefits; locally and globally. With some exception, cattle dung has been used primarily as an input and the technology is limited to households only. More systematic and comprehensive study supported by research and development is required to use other degradable waste such as municipal waste to produce biogas on a large scale.
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Work on weeds for feedstock. One of the main causes of desertification worldwide is the enormous infestations of aquatic weeds. Typha in particular is a very productive plant for biofuel purposes, and quite a bit of development has been done with it. I believe it is called Pater in Nepal. It makes charcoal for biochar, too. There are often many benefits for greatly reducing Typha. It is part of many diseases including malaria. Its control can be financed through its use as fuel.
The other forms of biogas, digester based, are more useful for other wetter weeds like water hyacinth.
Great Post!
Bio gas technology in Nepal is booming which is good for everyone because as mentioned earlier it is renewable energy. Have been hearing a lot about NGOs, INGOs about it. Also have heard about International Conference about bio gas technology in Nepal at Hyatt Regency.