Gas appliances
A number of Third World manufacturers offer specially designed cooking burners and lamps that
operate on biogas. Standard commercial cookers and lamps can also be converted to run on
biogas.
Diesels and spark-ignition engines can be fueled with biogas following proper modification; diesel
engines prefer a mixture of biogas and diesel fuel. Biogas-fueled refrigerators, though not very
efficient, are attractive alternatives for hospitals, schools and restaurants without electrification.
Slurry utilization
The digested slurry from biogas plants is a valuable organic fertilizer, since most of the main
nutrients (N, P, K) are preserved. In areas where regular fertilizing is uncommon, the use of
digested slurry for that purpose requires intensive counseling of the farmer. Biogas technology can
play an important role in self-sustaining ecofarming.
The advantages of biogas technology
. . . for the user consist chiefly of direct monetary returns, less work and various qualitative benefits.
The monetary returns consist mainly of:
- savings on kerosene, diesel fuel, bottled gas and, possibly, wood or charcoal,
- an additional energy supply for commercial activities,
- savings on chemical fertilizers and/or additional income from higher agricultural yields.
The qualitative benefits are:
- easier, cleaner cooking and better hygiene,
- better lighting during the evening hours,
- energy independence,
- improved stock-farming practice,
- good soil structure thanks to fertilization with digested sludge.
The regional and overall domestic significance derives from the following merits and aspects:
- development of a reliable, decentralized source of energy operated and monitored by the
users themselves,
- less local deforestation,
- improved conditions of agricultural production,
- more work and income for local craftsmen,
- infrastructural development,
- expanded indigenous technological know-how.
While the absolute figures corresponding to the above effects may often be marginal as compared
to the overall economy; they nonetheless have a noticeable impact within the project region.
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