| dc.description.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. |
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