Potential, Barriers and Prospects of Biogas Production in Zambia

Journal article

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Publication Details

Author list: Shane, A.;Gheewala, S.H.;Kasali, G.

Publication year: 2015

Journal: Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environment (1906-4918)

Volume number: 6

Issue number: 1

Start page: 21

End page: 27

ISSN: 1906-4918

Abstract

Despite research work and implementation of biogas having started as early as in the 1980s, Zambia has lagged behind in the adoption and use of biogas in the sub-Saharan Africa. The study established that there is a theoretical biogaspotential of 76PJ per annum from animal manure and crop residues. This is sufficient to provide energy for cooking and lighting in more than 3 million households. Lack of funding, lack of policy, regulatory framework and strategies on biogas, unfavorable investor monetary policy, inadequate expertise, lack of awareness of the benefits of biogas technology among leaders, financial institutions and locals, resistance to change due cultural and traditions of the locals, high installation and maintenance costs of biogas digesters, inadequate research and development, improper management and lack of monitoring of installed digesters, complexity of the carbon market, lack of incentives and social equity are among the challenges that have derailed the adoption and sustainable implementation of domestic biogas production in Zambia. Unless these are addressed, it is unlikely that the biogas sector in Zambia will flourish.

Keywords

Biogas, Potential, Social, Technical, Economic, Challenges, Zambia