Sustainable biogas production potential in Nepal using waste biomass: A spatial analysis

Abstract

Biogas plays a significant part in replacing solid biomass and fossil fuels for cooking. However, the implementation of appropriate policies to promote the development of biogas plants is hindered by a lack of adequate assessment of the biogas potential in Nepal. Thus, we estimate the potential of biogas production at the district level of Nepal from available waste biomass, including livestock manure, agricultural residues, and organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). Our estimates show the theoretical potential of biogas production from livestock manure of 1890 million m3 year−1, agricultural residues of 2290 million m3 year−1, and OFMSW of 234 million m3 year−1. The total biogas production is 4412 million m3 year−1, equivalent to 153 million liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders yearly. Using this biogas potential to replace LPG and solid biomass for cooking could result in avoided CO2, CO, and PM2.5 emissions of 6.3 million tons year−1, 0.4 million tons year−1, and 0.04 million tons year−1, respectively. Our findings suggest that the Terai districts of Morang, Sunsari, Saptari, and Banke, as well as the Hilly districts of Kavrepalanchok, Dhading, and Nuwakot, have a significant amount of biogas‐producing potential. Utilising this potential could also contribute to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals and a clean cooking energy transition in Nepal. For this, governments need careful planning, designing, policy support, and facilitation on bio‐resource management and utilisation at the local level.

Household biogas technology in the cold climate of low-income countries: a review of sustainable technologies for accelerating biogas generation

“…This clearly indicates that organic waste management through biogas technology serves as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional waste management practices, including incineration and landfilling. Biogas technology further helps mitigate CH 4 emissions from organic waste instead of capturing it for purposeful use, which significantly reduces its contribution to climate change [7]. Hence, promoting and utilizing AD biogas technology help in the management of organic waste, while also contributing to providing sustainable clean energy, mitigating climate change, and supporting the transition toward a circular and sustainable economy.…”