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Caught between necessity and feasibility

Author

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  • Bedi, A.S.
  • Pellegrini, L.
  • Tasciotti, L.

Abstract

Dependence on biomass, especially wood, to meet domestic energy needs raises several socio-environmental concerns. In contrast, cattle manure, which may be used to generate biogas, is considered a cleaner and cheaper source of energy. Despite the existence of several initiatives to promote biogas, systematic analyses of the effects of such initiatives are limited. This paper provides such an analysis. We use data from rural Rwanda to examine the effects of access to bio digesters on energy-related expenditures and consumption of traditional fuels. We find that participation in Rwanda’s National Domestic Biogas Programme leads to substantial reductions in firewood use and yields large savings. However, a cost-benefit analysis reveals that the attractiveness of participating in the biogas programme is hampered by a long payback period.

Suggested Citation

  • Bedi, A.S. & Pellegrini, L. & Tasciotti, L., 2014. "Caught between necessity and feasibility," ISS Working Papers - General Series 51698, International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam (ISS), The Hague.
    • Handle: RePEc:ems:euriss:51698
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Arthur, Richard & Baidoo, Martina Francisca & Antwi, Edward, 2011. "Biogas as a potential renewable energy source: A Ghanaian case study," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(5), pages 1510-1516.
    2. Gautam, Rajeeb & Baral, Sumit & Herat, Sunil, 2009. "Biogas as a sustainable energy source in Nepal: Present status and future challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(1), pages 248-252, January.
    3. Katuwal, Hari & Bohara, Alok K., 2009. "Biogas: A promising renewable technology and its impact on rural households in Nepal," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(9), pages 2668-2674, December.
    4. van Groenendaal, Willem & Gehua, Wang, 2010. "Microanalysis of the benefits of China's family-size bio-digesters," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(11), pages 4457-4466.
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    Cited by:

    1. Roopnarain, Ashira & Adeleke, Rasheed, 2017. "Current status, hurdles and future prospects of biogas digestion technology in Africa," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 1162-1179.

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    Keywords

    Energy policy; renewable energy; biogas; Rwanda;
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