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Biogas For Schools – A Smart Investment For A Sustainable Future!

• Impact Story

Biogas for Schools – A Smart Investment for a Sustainable Future!

 

Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DGIS), the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) and the European Union (EU), the African Biodigester Component (ABC) in Kenya aims at facilitating a shift of the biodigester market from its pioneering to the expansion phase where more than 20,000 small (0 to 50 m3) and 250 medium (50 to 500 m3) size biodigesters will be installed. The component is implemented by a consortium between GIZ and SNV (the Netherlands Development Organisation) in cooperation with Africa Bioenergy Programs Limited (ABPL - ex-Kenya Biogas Program).

EnDev and ABC apply a bottom-up, flexible approach to its country projects, focusing on transforming markets for energy access through:

  1. Supply-Side Support: Delivering high-quality energy products and services, even in remote rural areas.
  2. Demand Creation: Raising awareness and facilitating financial schemes to promote adoption of modern energy solutions.
  3. Enabling Environment: Strengthening regulations and business resilience to foster sustainable energy markets.

 

 

How Biogas Works in Schools?

 

 

  1. Input: Organic waste, such as toilet sewage (75%), animal dung (20%), and food scraps (5%), is fed into the biodigester.
  2. Process: Microorganisms break down waste in an oxygen-free environment, producing biogas (methane) and nutrient-rich slurry.
  3. Output:
    • Biogas: Used for cooking in school kitchens, complementing traditional fuels.
    • Slurry: Approximately 800 liters of bio-slurry per ton of waste is produced for gardening or local agriculture.

 

Why Invest in Biogas for Schools?

  1. Cost Savings
    • Reduced Fuel Expenses: Biogas systems minimize or eliminate the need for firewood, charcoal, or LPG.
    • Fertilizer Savings: The organic slurry produced reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers.
    • Long-Term Value: The initial investment pays for itself in 1 to 2 years  through ongoing savings on fuel and fertilizer costs.
  2. Environmental Benefits
    • Deforestation Prevention: Replacing wood fuel curbs deforestation.
    • Community Leadership: Schools adopting biogas become role models for renewable energy solutions.
  3. Health and Safety
    • Improved Indoor Air Quality: Clean-burning biogas reduces smoke-related illnesses for kitchen staff and students.
    • Fire Safety: Biogas systems are safer than open fires.
  4. Educational Opportunities
    • Learning Integration: Biogas systems enhance science and environmental curricula.
    • Sustainability Advocacy: Schools using biogas demonstrate leadership in renewable energy adoption.
  5. Social Impact
    • Reduced Student Burden: Students no longer need to bring firewood, freeing time for studies and girls benefit from reduced workloads by not having to collect firewood.
    • Enhanced Reputation: Sustainable practices attract support from parents and partners.

 


Success Story: Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology (RVIST)

The RVIST biodigester, with a capacity of 200 m³, transforms waste management and energy use. The institution, which caters to 280 full-time boarders out of 9,000 students and operates a dairy farm, has reaped significant benefits.

 

Key Results:

  • Cost Savings: Annual savings of KES 1,040,000 on cooking energy and KES 90,000 on fertilizers.
  • Payback Period: Less than two years, with a payback period of 1.95 years.
  • Internal Rate of Return (IRR): 38%, exceeding standard investment benchmarks.
  • Renewable Energy: Biogas powers cooking and water heating, reducing reliance on conventional fuels.
  • Improved Health: Clean energy has reduced kitchen smoke exposure.
  • Educational Value: Biogas serves as a hands-on learning tool for renewable energy and sustainability education.

 

How to Get Started

  1. Partner with a Biogas Provider: Collaborate with a reliable provider for feasibility studies, installation, and training. Contact abckenya@giz.de  for assistance.
  2. Conduct a Feasibility Study: Assess waste availability, energy needs, and slurry applications.
  3. Monitor and Maintain the System: Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

 

 

Investment and Financing Options

  • Initial Costs: Biodigester installation costs vary by size and complexity. For example, RVIST’s 200 m³ biodigester cost KES 1,697,581, including installation, equipment, and training.
  • Financing:
    • MESPT provides loans with 8–10% interest rates for medium-scale biodigesters.
    • Financial institutions like Equity Bank and SACCOs offer tailored financing.
    • Biogas companies provide flexible payment plans, with instalment options ranging from 12 to 24 months.