Sustainability analysis of biogas as a source of energy in Rwanda

Abstract

Rwanda has seen significant advancements in biogas installations, with a significant increase in households accessing biogas since 2012. However, rapid population growth has made it difficult to provide energy security due to energy deficit growth in both rural and urban areas. This study aimed to assess the sustainability of biogas as a source of energy in Rwanda, focusing on energy demand, supply profiles, and sustainability based on technical, environmental, social, and economic indicators. Data was collected from 600 biogas owners and local leaders who supported biogas production sensitization campaigns. The results showed that out of the 728.7GWh energy consumption, 42% was industrial consumption, and 51% was home-based consumption, with 67% of accessibility. The average temperature of 20°C was favorable for biogas digester functionality, leading to 97% of users being satisfied with its cooking efficiency. Biogas development and use increased social well-being by reducing CO emissions to about 7.01gCO/MJ. The reduction in firewood usage helped households and institutions reduce the cost of purchasing firewood by 30 to 80% per year. The study concludes that biogas energy in Rwanda has high levels of energy sustainability and potential for improving health and accessibility to affordable and clean energy to mitigate climate change. The government and Rwanda Energy Group should develop technical guidelines and policies to enhance biogas functionality and allocate budgets for upgrading existing infrastructures and initiating new biogas project.