Biogas for Clean Energy Consumption and GHG Emission Reduction

Abstract

This study analyses the biogas for clean energy consumption and GHG emission reduction in two ecological regions - Hill and Terai – of Nepal. Biogas is methane-rich gas mostly used for cooking in rural households in Nepal. Biogas is interrelated with energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions. The unsustainable use of emission-intensive biomass cooking fuel and other commercial fuels are the major sources of GHG emissions. If biogas is produced and used to its full capacity, it can replace other cooking fuels in the household. The main objective of this study was to observe the existing production and use status of biogas to explore the new pattern of energy consumption and associated GHG emission reduction. This research was carried out in Chitwan and Lamjung districts, representing both Terai and Hill regions of Nepal. Biogas household survey, key informant interview, and direct field observations were used for data collection, while Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Volumetric Methane Prediction (VMP), and Long-Range Energy Alternative Planning System (LEAP) Energy Environment Modal were used for data analysis. The result showed that if the biogas completely replaces other cooking fuels, it reduces energy consumption by 40% and GHG emission up to 19 tCO2e per year. It is mostly from saving on fuelwood burning, by 31.8 GJ/household in the Chitwan/Terai and 19.3 GJ/household in Lamjung/Hill from 2012-2040 compared with a non-biogas household.