biogas to energy
Biogas is a type of biofuel produced when organic matter is broken down anaerobically, i.e. in the absence of oxygen. This organic matter often includes household waste, crop residues, manure, sewage and biomass, resulting in the gas being mostly made up of methane and carbon dioxide (both greenhouse gases). As it is often produced from waste materials, biogas is a source of cheap fuel in many developing countries. It is also increasing used in European countries to run various types of heat engine, to generate power both for private businesses and national grids.
biogas to energy
The biogas produced by Safi Sana will be processed and used as a fuel for energy production. The specific end product (electricity; heat; gas) will depend on local market requirements, technical viability, profitability and the business model. There are various options for the use of the biogas: the production of electricity for the grid, Combined Heat Power (CHP) and using the gas directly, for example by bottling the gas. The final product will be sold at a competitive price, whilst still meeting the safety and quality standards that are required by the market.
In our pilot project in Accra, Ghana, we are developing an energy product from the biogas that will compete with and replace some traditional energy resources (e.g. oil, LPG or wood). We are working with our international partners in The Netherlands and in Ghana to identify current practices and trends in the energy market, in order to competitively position our product. At the same time, we are also testing our plans with potential customers to incorporate their specific needs, and can manage expectations. All this is being fed back into our design process of not only waste treatment and resourcing, but also through the overarching Safi Sana framework into the design and operation of the Communal Service Blocks.
By the end of 2011, we will have a product tested and ready for market introduction in Accra. You can follow our progress on the blog.
business case
The sale of our processed energy product to the local market is one of the two core income generators (fertilizer is the other) of the Safi Sana waste re-use model.
