DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Powering Uganda's Clean Energy Future: Biomethane Technology and Innovation for Clean Cooling in Rural Uganda (BioCool)

Project disclaimer

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Description

Uganda's population was estimated to be around 47.8million people in 2021. The vulnerability of Uganda to climate change is a significant driver of food insecurity in the country. Considering a relatively high population growth rate of approximately 3.28% (World Bank, 2021), up to 2.5million people have been projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity in 2023 in Uganda (The Independent Magazine, 2023). Food insecurity is worsened by a gross lack of electricity among the rural population. Only 10% of the rural population has access to electricity. This hinders the use of efficient irrigation systems, storage facilities, and processing equipment, resulting in post-harvest losses and reduced food availability (Tröger et al., 2020)*. Post-harvest losses and food insecurity in Uganda can be tackled by improved cooling systems (Amjad et al., 2023)**. AD produces biomethane, a low-cost and low-carbon fuel that can be effectively adapted for rural communities. With biomethane, we can power cold storage units, providing a reliable means of preserving perishable goods. Notably, biomethane production is versatile. Various organic materials can be utilised, such as animal manure and market wastes. By harnessing the vast reserves of organic waste, we can generate biomethane and effectively operate refrigerators (Lsoto, 2020)***. This renewable energy source offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for off-grid supply. Uganda is one of the few countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) that is exploiting AD technology to provide household cooking and electrification, with over 30,000 digesters installed. However, techno-economic issues like insufficient feedstock supply and operating/maintenance know-how by rural households limit its long-term application and widespread adoption. For example, about 60% of digesters have become non-operational due to water and manure scarcity (Smith et al., 2013)****. The BioCool project will tackle this need by implementing an Energy as a Service (EaaS) business model, shifting the techno-economic responsibilities to the energy provider. This approach not only guarantees improved livelihoods for the rural population but also ensures that customers only pay for the fuel they consume. By doing so, it provides them with enhanced access to reliable, affordable, and low-carbon fuel options. Additionally, the BioCool Project will incorporate co-digestion and the use of a slurry separation technology to facilitate water recirculation back into the AD system, further enhancing its efficiency. *https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2020.02.017 **https://doi.org/10.1093/ce/zkad015 *** Lsoto Dorothy (2020). Evaluating Biogas Chiller Performance and Adoption in Eastern Uganda (Kumi District) Master's thesis, University of Wisconsin-Madison. **** Final Report. DFID NET-RC AO6502.

Objectives

Uganda's population was estimated to be around 47.8million people in 2021. The vulnerability of Uganda to climate change is a significant driver of food insecurity in the country. Considering a relatively high population growth rate of approximately 3.28% (World Bank, 2021), up to 2.5million people have been projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity in 2023 in Uganda (The Independent Magazine, 2023). Food insecurity is worsened by a gross lack of electricity among the rural population. Only 10% of the rural population has access to electricity. This hinders the use of efficient irrigation systems, storage facilities, and processing equipment, resulting in post-harvest losses and reduced food availability (Tröger et al., 2020)*. Post-harvest losses and food insecurity in Uganda can be tackled by improved cooling systems (Amjad et al., 2023)**. AD produces biomethane, a low-cost and low-carbon fuel that can be effectively adapted for rural communities. With biomethane, we can power cold storage units, providing a reliable means of preserving perishable goods. Notably, biomethane production is versatile. Various organic materials can be utilised, such as animal manure and market wastes. By harnessing the vast reserves of organic waste, we can generate biomethane and effectively operate refrigerators (Lsoto, 2020)***. This renewable energy source offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for off-grid supply. Uganda is one of the few countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) that is exploiting AD technology to provide household cooking and electrification, with over 30,000 digesters installed. However, techno-economic issues like insufficient feedstock supply and operating/maintenance know-how by rural households limit its long-term application and widespread adoption. For example, about 60% of digesters have become non-operational due to water and manure scarcity (Smith et al., 2013)****. The BioCool project will tackle this need by implementing an Energy as a Service (EaaS) business model, shifting the techno-economic responsibilities to the energy provider. This approach not only guarantees improved livelihoods for the rural population but also ensures that customers only pay for the fuel they consume. By doing so, it provides them with enhanced access to reliable, affordable, and low-carbon fuel options. Additionally, the BioCool Project will incorporate co-digestion and the use of a slurry separation technology to facilitate water recirculation back into the AD system, further enhancing its efficiency. *https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2020.02.017 **https://doi.org/10.1093/ce/zkad015 *** Lsoto Dorothy (2020). Evaluating Biogas Chiller Performance and Adoption in Eastern Uganda (Kumi District) Master's thesis, University of Wisconsin-Madison. **** Final Report. DFID NET-RC AO6502.

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Location

The country, countries or regions that benefit from this Programme.

Uganda

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