In Africa, many households still rely on solid fuels, like wood, charcoal, or biomass, for cooking and heating. The use of solid fuels contributes to extensive indoor air pollution. This results in significant health issues in many African countries. Women in Africa are disproportionately affected by indoor pollution, as they are often responsible for household chores.
In Zimbabwe, for instance, the use of wood for cooking and heating fuel is one of the many drivers of deforestation in the country. Currently, firewood accounts for more than 60 percent of Zimbabwe’s total energy supply, with up to 98 percent of the rural population relying on firewood for cooking and heating. According to the Zimbabwe Forestry Commission, the country requires up to 11 million tons of firewood annually for domestic cooking, heating, and tobacco curing.
However, biogas can also be used to generate electrical power. In a recent study, Coddell Tanaka Mutate and his team from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Galgotias University in India reveal that there are a decent number of biogas digesters in the country. Still, proper education should be provided to owners and operators so that they can fully benefit from this alternative energy source.
“If proper education is provided and awareness is raised, the owners can be able to generate electrical power for homes and communities at large. The number of biogas digesters should increase in the country, especially in the rural areas, since the biogas can also be used for lighting and cooking,” the research finds. “If this technology is fully adopted in Zimbabwe, the Rural Electrification Scheme can be realized, and less stress is imposed on the grid.”
At the same time, the Zimbabwe government should implement favorable policies and legislation to enhance the functionality of the process. Mohammad Taherzadeh, professor in Bioprocess Technology at the University of Borås in Sweden, says the reality is that biogas technology has yet to gain significant traction in many African countries.
Asked by The Energy Pioneer whether countries in Africa are embracing biogas as a clean source of energy, Professor Taherzadeh says the short answer is no.
