Biogas Offers Poor Countries a Cleaner, Safer Fuel

Biogas fuel technology can provide both needed energy and sanitation, as it converts methane gasses from  animal feces and converts it into useable energy. Methane gas is odorless, and can be used to heat homes and for cooking fuel. Using biogas instead of firewood protects forests from deforestation due to firewood demand. Burning biogas for cooking is also more healthful, as it does not produce smoke as firewood does. Smoke produced from firewood is not only unpleasant to breathe, it can cause lifelong health effects like asthma, lung cancer, and other respiratory problems.

It protects the environment, as burning methane for energy produces much less greenhouse gas as burning wood or coal. The only downside is the cost of the equipment needed to utilize biogas. It is not expensive, but can be out of reach for many who are living on next to nothing.

This is where public-private partnership can play a role, as companies can build relationships with developing countries to help provide the technology. It is our role as citizens of the developed to keep the pressure on these companies to do this.


Biogas is a great solution for the developing world and the climate!

Biogas, NY Times article