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Sustainable energy: biogas
In most rural areas of East Timor there is no electricity. Portable generators provide a limited service to communities that can afford diesel.
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A methane-powered lantern, East Timor. Photo: Michael Riach/Oxfam |
Oxfam New Zealand is supporting its East Timorese partner, Movimento Cooperativo Economico-Agricola (MCE-A), in the development of biogas generation as a sustainable energy source for rural communities.
Biogas is the product of a biological process known as anaerobic digestion. In the absence of oxygen, anaerobic bacteria decomposes organic matter and produces a gas mainly composed of methane (60%) and carbon dioxide.
Natural energy
The formation of biogas is a natural phenomenon occurring in wetlands, manure, and human and animal intestines. For centuries, humans have harvested the power of bacterialogical digestion, using the gases for cooking, heating or engine fuel.
Biogas can be used as an energy source for generators, boilers, burners, dryers or any equipment using propane, gas and diesel. Equipment requires only minor adjustments to run on biogas. The biogas can provide lighting for activities such as work, community meetings and for students to read at night.
MCE-A has developed a Biogas Pilot Project in Suai city. The pilot project is designed to be a training facility in biogas production and a centre for research.
The plant consists of:
- A tank and biogas digestor designed to hold waste and collect gas.
- An effluent overflow pond (the effluent is used for fertiliser).
- Gas pipes leading to houses for cooking, lighting or to power a portable generator. The generator produces electricity that can be sold through connecting lines.
Biogas resources:
- Cattle – 4-5 per plant
- Cement and gravel for the corral and digestor
- Piping for the gas and fittings
- Condenser for collecting gas; generator
- Electrical wiring
Movimento Cooperativo Economico-Agricola (MCE-A)
MCE-A has been a partner with Oxfam New Zealand since 2005. Since MCE-A was established in 1999 it has grown rapidly from an initial group of eight rice and coffee farmers co-operatives. Their membership now includes 45 co-operatives in rural areas of East Timor.
The project is partly funded by the East Timorese government, Contact Energy and Oxfam New Zealand.
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