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Feature Story
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Biogas Offers Fuel, Health and Income Solutions in Bangladesh
Program Unit - Clean Energy
Country - Bangladesh
Funding - USAID
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Cooking times have dropped by as much as 80 percent, and household fuel costs and health hazards have been
reduced thanks to biogas technology and a pilot project in Bangladesh. Under the auspices of the USAID-funded
South Asia Regional Initiative/Energy Program, Grameen Shakti, a nonprofit renewable energy organization, and
Winrock's Nepal Biogas Support Program, have demonstrated the use of biogas as an efficient and renewable
source of energy for the poor in Bangladesh.
Initially project plans included the construction of five biogas demonstration plants of varying size, that mixed animal
wastes with water to produce methane gas. However, overwhelming public support, coupled with the availability of
loans for installation costs, led to the construction of more than 180 plants that provide small businesses and homes
with biogas for a variety of uses.
The project's success can be largely attributed to the development of a consumer financing mechanism and business
development services to borrowers, as well as the provision of training to local masons, clients and Grameen Shakti
staff. The initiative generates income by linking biogas production capabilities with poultry, livestock and organic
fertilizer markets. Animal waste used to generate methane leaves behind rich, organic slurry that can supplement
chemical fertilizers. The use of slurry can improve soil fertility, increase farm productivity, reduce input costs and
mitigate the environmental risks associated with chemical fertilizers.
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In Bangladesh, some 40 million tons of firewood are consumed annually as cooking fuel, contributing to
deforestation, erosion, and flooding. Only 3 percent of the population has access to pipeline-supplied gas, creating
heavy dependence on wood, animal wastes and other biomass energy resources. Women and children bear the
burden of collecting fuel and suffer from a variety of respiratory diseases caused by indoor smoke from cooking. |
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Rukshna Parveen, a biogas plant owner, enjoys the benefits of a smokeless kitchen. Since purchasing the plant, her
cooking time has been reduced by 80%. Before using biogas, her fuel costs totaled 450 taka (approximately
$6.50 USD) per month. In just three years, when her small 558 BDT/month loan is paid, her fuel will be free.
Mr. Islam, a poultry farmer, purchased a biogas plant that provides fuel for his household cooking needs. He now
earns about $28 monthly from the sale of excess biogas to five nearby homes.
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