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Kenya Potential for Biogas as an alternative Renewable Energy Source |
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Energy is essential to meet our most basic needs that include cooking, boiling water, lighting and heating. According to UNDP energy report (2009), almost a quarter of the world?s 6 billion people live without electricity .The majority of the 1.5 billion people who have no access to electricity are in the least developed countries of South Asia and Sub Saharan Africa. Kenya is dependent on three forms of energy namely biomass that account for about 68 % of the total primary energy consumption petroleum 22 %, electricity at 9% and others at about less than 1 %. Approximately 15 % of Kenyans are connected to the grid while only 4 % of the people living in rural areas have access to electricity. Energy sources from fossil fuel like paraffin, diesel and petrol are expensive and the costs are passed through directly to the consumers, which amounts to 20-50% of the consumer prices hence high cost of goods and services (Fischer et al., 2010). There are also electricity limitations of installed capacity due to the over-reliance on hydropower that threatens security of supply in times of drought. Biomass provides 80% of the energy requirements in most rural parts of Kenya (Kituyi, 2002, Kamfor 2002) with majority of the residents relying on traditional biomass (mainly wood and charcoal fuel) as the main source of cooking energy. This poses a great challenge to the realization of the 10 % forest cover within the county due to the uncontrolled harvesting of trees. Further to that Biomass related energy sources like charcoal are responsible for global warming effect and health related problems than any other category of energy use. It is estimated that the resulting indoor air pollution is responsible for more than 1.5 million deaths a year, mostly of young children and their mothers (WHO Fuel for Life report, 2006). To reach self-sufficiency in energy and to minimize the pressure on traditional biomass fuel, biogas technology is the best and cheap alternative renewable energy solution, which could be achieved through active mobilization and economic utilization of local indigenous resources available in the Kenya. Data from Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey (KIBS) report of 2007 indicate that 68.8 % of all households in Kenya are engaged in crop farming activities while about 66.0 % keep at least one type of livestock under zero grazing or four or more cattle under semi zero grazing. Biogas Technology is therefore feasible for small holder farmers with livestock producing 50 Kg of manure per day . The use of biogas can contribute towards achieving each of the Millennium Development Goals and Energy poverty reduction in developing countries across the world. Biogas is a unique energy technology because it offers multifunctional and simultaneous benefits in public health, agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability and economic development. |
 
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12 Comments
fuel wood becoming increasingly expensive and also scarce in some areas, there is a need to look for alternative cookingfuel. Cow manure and biogas fuel technology provides a free, sustainable source of power all yearround ?C and a useful fertiliser which helps to provide a better income for farmers.
Posted 28-09-2014 20:18
Nice Report Samuel! :)
potential of biogas can be used as an energy source because the amount is very abundant. Waste derived from animals and plants are all potential to be developed. Utilization of waste as a fuel provides three immediate benefits. First, an increase in overall energy efficiency because the energy content of the waste contained in quite large and can be wasted if not used. Second, cost savings, because often dispose of the waste can be more expensive than the use. Third, reducing the need for landfill because the landfill provision will become more difficult and expensive, especially in urban areas.
Posted 11-09-2014 07:46
Biogas is widely used in Bangladesh as well, specially in rural area. It's not only nature-friendly but also money saving. I think, it time we consider it for bigger use!
Posted 10-09-2014 11:03
Thanks Samuel for coming up with this article.
Biogas is something that can really work and especially in Africa.
The thing is that we are yet to see them as real and sustainable solutions. We just talk about it theoretically and implement it a little.
I am confident that it will work not just in Kenya but in other countries that have rich animal resources.
I hope African countries begin to implement this massively it can only be to our gain.
Posted 08-09-2014 14:33
Great report samuel...I am amzed to note that 68% of total energy need (80% of total rural need) is met by Biomass in Kenya...Thats really great...I have visited Kenya (for tourism purpose) few years back, but never knew this unique fact like this!!! Thx for the repoprt
Posted 07-09-2014 02:03
Yes Samuel, it is indeed feasible to increase the usage of bio gas. We save fossil fuels & conserve environment as well. It is win-win situation.
Posted 06-09-2014 21:25
Biogas is a really nice sustainable alternative to other kind of fuels. Very nice and detailed article Samuel!
Posted 05-09-2014 20:01
Biogas one of the best alternative energy method for sustainable energy usage and eco friendly tooo. This should be promoted more....
Posted 05-09-2014 18:24
Very well said , Samuel. Like you gave an example of Kenya , elsewhere too there is a big imbalance between demand and supply of power/electricity so there is an urgent need globally to look for and to promote renewable sources of energy like this biogas. It's really high time that nations start relying least on fossil fuels and start using bio gas . Thanks for elaborating on biogas technology especially the feasibility.
Posted 05-09-2014 17:18
Hey Samuel!
This topic is indeed an interesting one. Recently, I attended a conference on sustainable development of environmental systems where Biogas and Biodigesters were widely discussed. I will be glad if you can share your activities and work in this field. I have some research papers in this topics too. If you wish, I can surely forward. Ibelieve it will help you a lot.
Posted 05-09-2014 16:54
Very True Rahul Acharya , I am currently doing studies on the topic.I found it very interesting, especially if the youths get involved .More green jobs and clean energy source for everyone :-)
Posted 05-09-2014 16:21
Biogas is popular in rural areas of Nepal as well and thanks to bio gas peope are dereasing their dependency on forest for fuel
Posted 04-09-2014 21:28