Petroleum price rally spurs search for clean energy

The main reason for increased demand “is the continued awareness of alternative and environment friendly energy technologies. The dwindling sources of fuel-wood and increased cost of energy sources are also major reasons,” says Kenda Mwenja, biogas expert.

The GTZ-PSDA project introduced subsidy grants for biogas plants for rural people.

“After introduction of the subsidy demand has gone up. We now receive more than 30 enquiries and applications per month. Farmers involved in dairy farming see an opportunity to increase value of their dairy farming. To some extent biogas adds some status to adopting farmers,” says Mr Mwenja.

“Initial investment is high, but benefits accrue for a long period of time and are not easily noticed. Analysis of a biogas plant in 2009 showed that smallholder farmers with three to eight cows save between Sh3,000 and Sh5,000 per month on energy,” he says.

Mr Jesse says that two to three cows can service a plant of four cubic metres, which costs about Sh50,000 to construct.

“The principle behind biogas is based on conversion of waste to energy. The only cost that goes into it is construction cost. It has minimum to zero operational or maintenance costs making it a free energy source in the long run,” he says.

Clean energy

Institutions have also adopted clean energy technology in an effort to save costs.

Mr Maina says institutions such as St Joseph’s Kari Secondary School, PCEA Emmanuel Church in Nakuru, Wheat Field Education Centre in Rongai, Abasweni Secondary School, Grift primary and secondary schools, Gobet Secondary School in Wajir, and AIC Lochorai centre in Njoro have adopted the clean energy technology.

“Institutions like Moi and Egerton universities, Katulani Secondary School in Kitui and Keekonyokie Slaughter House in Kiserian have adopted biogas technology,” says Mr Jesse.

Mr Mwenja, at the GTZ-PSDA office, says: “We have successfully supported schools like Goibei Girls in Vihiga, Vick Merry School in Ruai, Compuera Girls in Mang’u, Starehe Girls, Furaha School, Imani Rehabilitation, Ngurika School in Nakuru and Tumaini School in Kiambu.”

“At Tumaini School a co-digestion where human waste and cattle dung are used has been demonstrated. This applies particularly to institutions with interest in biogas but which have few cattle,” he adds.

The GTZ-PSDA project recently participated in the launch of a 124 cubic meter biogas plant costing Sh500,000 at Dr Makewa Farm in Tala.