Most African nations are currently experiencing energy shortages emanating from a plethora of challenges ranging from low technological advancement capacities to lack of embracing energy efficiency. In an attempt to find lasting solutions, governments are developing legislation aimed at harnessing renewable energy.
South Africa put in place renewable energy polices in 2003 which became complete and sound in 2013. Kenya is projected to be entirely powered by green energy starting this year 2020 and is part of its developmental agenda to achieve a successful low carbon economy by 2030. Zimbabwe launched important documents on Renewable Energy and Biodiesel Polices early this year. The forms of legislations are a clear response to the current global trend where energy issues are at the core. This has also become the major basis to support the development of green energy based on sustainable development agendas.
Biogas is becoming more prominent in addressing energy inefficiencies as it provides a more sustainable energy source especially when comparing to traditional sources of wood fuels. Most African nations are now embracing the use of biogas digesters as part of strategic ways to achieve a non-pollutant environment and at the same time reducing carbon emissions. It is a known fact that traditional sources such as wood and charcoal demonstrate inefficiencies and result in many environmental impacts.
Africa as a continent has been facing challenges of deforestation, land degradation and accumulation of general waste in the public spaces. Biogas presents an opportunity to reduce the rate of deforestation and will be instrumental in providing clean energies. It has a strength in providing lasting solutions to generation of waste through the adoption of latest waste management approaches.
Biogas is produced through a process of anaerobic digestion of organic compounds where waste from feedstock and water are mixed in an inlet pipe. Feedstock is further reduced in size and shape in an airtight chamber by anaerobic microorganisms to give an ending result product of methane and carbon dioxide. Biogas is approximately anticipated to contain more than 60 percent methane and less than 30 percent carbon dioxide. This can be used for household cooking and lighting purposes.
Ghana is an example of an African country where biogas technology is prominent since 2004. It is estimated that by 2010 a tune of 3.4 million households were into livestock production and this would generate more than 350 million cubic metres of biogas. Since 2011, biogas technology have been embraced in countries such as Benin, Senegal, Cameron, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda among others.
According to Kenya Biogas Programme the country has an approximate number of more than 100,000 people reported to have installed bio-digesters in their homes. As of 2020 the country recorded one of the success stories of biogas as Kenya’s biogas sector recorded investment involving six companies. The move inspired employment opportunities for many people.
In 2014 a tune of 24,990 bio digesters were placed in more than nine countries of Africa and this has been instrumental in the amelioration of people’s livelihoods in both urban and rural areas. The biogas technology transfer has also found its way to Zimbabwe. This follows a successful launch of Renewable Energy Policy and Biodiesel Policy of 2020. This also comes at a time when local authorities are failing to proffer waste management best practices.
A number of entrepreneurs continue to inspire the society through biogas production. Safe and clean environment is guaranteed. In Zimbabwe, Greencraft Company in partnership with the government is spearheading biogas Programme in the rural areas aimed at incorporating farmers in the production of clean and safe energies. Recently the Ministry of Energy and Power Development engaged farmers in the remote areas of Mudzi District to unleash the Biogas Programme to local farmers.
Speaking to Green Business Gazette(GBG) crew, Mark Tsabora a local farmer from Mudzi who is part of the Biogas Programme said more than 60 farmers in the remote area embraced biogas production while 10 have acquired bio digesters. “Farmers are now aware of the importance of using Biogas digesters and benefits to the environment. This is a lasting solution to save our environment from accumulation of waste, land degradation and deforestation as well. A local company called Green Craft Company have so far installed 6 bio digesters to some farmers while more than 60 have embraced the idea.”
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