SIDB launches biogas plants project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The Small Industries Development Board (SIDB) has launched a new project of Biogas plants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under the management of its director Dr Syed Akhter Hussain Shah. The biogas projects were funded by Pakistan Italian Debt, SWAP agreement.
Biogas originates from biogenic material and is a type of bio-fuel, which primarily comprises of methane and carbon dioxide. Biogas can be used as a low-cost fuel for heating, cooking and power generation. The gas can also be compressed, much like natural gas and used to power motor vehicles. Being a renewable source of energy, biogas qualifies for renewable energy subsidies in some parts of the world.
According to the spokesman of SIDB Noman Qasir, Biogas technology can benefit the country in economic, social and environmental sectors. The technology can play a vital role in overcoming problems of energy sectors both domestic and commercial and is successfully in operation in various parts of our country.
He said that Pakistan did try biogas production in seventies but it could not succeed due to lack of state-of-the-art technology and awareness among the communities. The USA is using Biogas since decades to produce electricity and for other purpose. The SIDB, for the first time would work on government level in the history of province through private partnership. The Board would set-up at least 400 small and medium biogas plants developed at household level in Peshawar, Abbottabad, Charsadda, Mansehra, Haripur and Nowshera districts.
Small and medium scale domestic biogas plants cost not more than 50-70 thousand rupees even in the courtyard of rural houses. It can generate 03-07 cubic meter of natural biogas, which possesses, 50 to 75 percent methane, the major source of energy that burn instantly and produce heat.
The gas could also be used to produce electricity by using common patrol generators with little alteration. The facility will also help reduces expenditure on fuel production, transformation, distribution and generate jobs by creating micro, small and medium scale enterprises.