Biogas a Sustainable Source of Clean Energy in Sub Saharan Africa: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Keene Mmusi, John Mudiwa, Edward Rakgati and Venkataraman Vishwanathan

Energy security, socio-economic growth and environmental protection are the national energy policy drivers of any country of the world today. The World Energy Forum has predicted that fossil-based oil, coal, and gas reserves is on the decline due to increase in energy demand. Despite advancements in modern technology, a larger population living in the rural areas in sub-Saharan countries use biomass in their traditional means for domestic cooking, heating and lighting. However, this rises severe environmental and health issues. An alternative source of renewable energy with abundant availability of biomass in sub- Saharan Africa will be biogas. Biogas is a sustainable and affordable renewable energy fuel and is environmentally safe in reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) during combustion. However, there exist many challenges in biogas production and utilization, which includes high operation costs, high energy consuming processes, lack of sufficient government policy, and public - private partnership support. In addition, a concerted effort from all stakeholders are essential to facilitate the installation of small and medium biodigesters to harness the inherent potential that is currently not utilised. This review highlights the relevance of biogas technology in tune with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) laid by the United Nations to make biogas a futuristic bioenergy for the well-being and prosperity of people living in sub-Saharan countries.

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