Last Updated on May 8, 2025 by Naomi Nimu
Biogas burning
I have been thinking a lot about renewable energy lately. Everywhere you turn, there’s talk about solar panels and wind turbines. But this other option, biogas, doesn’t get nearly enough attention when there are so many benefits of biogas.
I stumbled across some information from the Southern African Biogas Industry Association (SABIA) that opened my eyes to how versatile and beneficial this renewable energy is.
What is Biogas?
Biogas is gas produced when organic materials break down without oxygen. This process, called anaerobic digestion, creates a mixture of gases that we use for energy. The main gas is methane.
What caught my attention is how it is easy to produce. We’re taking waste that would otherwise just rot and release greenhouse gases anyway and capturing those emissions to use productively.
Benefits of Biogas
Cooking Gas
I was reading about how farms in South Africa are starting to use biogas systems. They take manure from their livestock (which is always in abundant supply on a farm), food waste, and even some crop residues, and feed it into these digester tanks.
The bacteria, which are always present on waste or any organic matter, digest the waste, and biogas is produced and is used right there on the farm for cooking. Our biogas digester that we install in people’s homes also produces clean gas that is used for cooking.
Cleaner Energy
In areas where people use wood or charcoal for cooking, there is indoor air pollution and contributes to respiratory problems. Charcoal produces carbon monoxide which is a killer gas if inhaled in large quantities, according to this study.
Wood produces smoke which causes respiratory problems over time. Biogas offers a cleaner alternative. Biogas is produced not only in large commercial farms but also in small homes or farms. Smaller systems work for individual households or small communities, too.
Digestate is Used as fertiliser
The digestion of manure and kitchen waste by bacteria also creates nutrient-rich byproduct called digestate. Farmers can use it as fertiliser, and this means they might not need to buy the chemical one.
That’s both cost-saving and better for the soil in the long run. My mother loves talking about how important good soil health is and would love biogas digestate as it is rich in nutrients that would greatly benefit plants.
Saves Costs on Gas and Fertiliser
Biogas also has economic benefits. There are obvious savings on energy costs and fertiliser purchases. Only the initial installation of biogas costs money.
The investment is worth it because you will never spend money again on cooking gas or fertiliser. It offers a sustainable home solution where you dont have to depend on anyone for cooking gas.
Creates Jobs in the Renewable Energy Sector
Biogas projects create construction, operation, and maintenance jobs. In rural communities,, especially where employment opportunities might be limited, these kinds of projects will make a real difference.
Brooding for Poultry
This renewable power source provides ideal brooding heat for chicks. For those who dont know what brooding for poultry is, here is a simple explanation.
Brooding in poultry refers to providing young chicks with optimal temperature until chicks can independently regulate their body temperature, as they are not able in the first weeks after hatching from eggs. Heat from biogas maintains perfect temperature conditions for chicks without electricity costs.
Power Farm Equipment
In Kenya, it’s frustrating when the power goes out, especially in rural areas where electricity is less reliable. A biogas system will provide a consistent energy source for your farm equipment that doesn’t depend on electricity.
You could run generators, heat water, or even power farm equipment. I think there’s something deeply satisfying about producing your own energy from materials you already have.
Biogas Deserves More Attention
But still, when you weigh the pros and cons, biogas deserves more attention than it gets. Maybe it’s because it’s not as visually dramatic as a field of solar panels or a line of wind turbines. Or it’s because we’re talking about waste, not exactly the most glamorous conversation starter at dinner parties.
The Kenyan government is catching on, though. It is offering incentives for renewable energy projects, including biogas. That’s a step in the right direction, but from what I’ve read, more support is needed for biogas development.
Biogas Digesters in Urban Areas
I wonder sometimes why we don’t see more biogas projects in urban areas. Municipal waste treatment facilities seem like perfect candidates. They are already collecting organic waste and dealing with the emissions; why not capture that energy?
Some cities around the world are doing this successfully. I remember reading about a bus fleet in Sweden that runs entirely on biogas produced from the city’s sewage. That’s pretty impressive.
Turn Waste into Wealth
What appeals to me most about biogas is that it transforms waste into multiple positives such as gas, fertiliser and reduced pollution. There’s something deeply satisfying about that kind of solution. It’s not just about doing less harm; it’s about creating actual good from what would otherwise be a problem.
So yeah, biogas deserves more attention in Kenya’s renewable energy mix. It might not be as flashy as other options, but it’s practical, versatile, and addresses multiple challenges simultaneously. And in a country with abundant agricultural activity and waste streams, the potential is huge.
Challenges for Installing a Biogas Biodigester
I don’t want to make it sound like biogas is the perfect energy solution without challenges. The upfront costs are significant, especially for larger systems. That’s why Home Guide Biogas and Biodigester Company are seeking funding for Kenyans who might be interested in renewable energy but cant afford so that they can reap its benefits.
Technical knowledge is required to keep things running smoothly, so we train our clients on how to run and maintain their biogas biodigesters.