Smart Biogas Networks

Biogas digesters transform waste organic matter into methane gas, providing a source of clean renewable energy, a safe alternative to the pollution caused by burning wood. However construction of biogas digesters is only a first step to providing clean energy. Maintenance is crucial; many digesters constructed are out of action at any one time and functioning digesters are not always operated to their full potential. When digesters break or operate below expectations, it is often difficult for households to identify and contact a technician with the specialist skills to repair the system. This leads to biogas digesters remaining defective or completely broken, forcing users to supplement their energy supply by, or revert to, burning wood again. Failure leads to unavoidable health, financial and environmental costs and damages the reputation of biogas technology. The Smart Biogas Network, the technological solution being explored in this project, will connect owners of defective or broken biogas plants across Tanzania with those who can fix them, hence improving the security of clean, renewable energy supply with potential wider applicability across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.