Abstract:
In many African countries, access to electricity and modern cooking fuels is still challenging for residential and commercial activities. Households in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) comprise the majority of over 2.7 billion people globally, relying predominantly on traditional biomass to cook their meals. African countries have vast opportunities to expand access to energy using indigenous renewable energy resources. Biogas production from agricultural residues, industrial and municipal waste/wastewater is an attractive option also in Africa. Compared to photovoltaics and wind energy, biogas has an advantage as it can be stored and used on demand. However, despite the high potential of biogas production in southern Africa, the level of implementation and the number of success stories are few. The workshop aims to present and discuss the possibility of biogas becoming a viable part of the energy mix in rural southern Africa. Recent experiences of implementing biogas technology on small-scale to commercial levels are reviewed, complemented with some experiences held by the author from Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. The review identifies some critical barriers to biogas development in southern Africa related to financing and economics, technology and infrastructure, regulations and institutions, and markets and awareness. Workshop participants are asked to share ideas and thoughts addressing these barriers, possibly inspired by the successful implementation of biogas technology throughout India. What can southern Africa learn from India?
Speakers Bio:
Dr. Patrik Klintenberg
Higher Education Degrees
- Doctorate (PhD), 2008, Physical Geography, Stockholm University
- Licentiate (PhLic), 2004, Physical Geography, Stockholm University
- Master of Science (MSc), 1995, Physical Geography, Lund University