Biogas Technology in Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Study on History, Present Situation, Technologies and Electricity Generation Potential

In Bangladesh, biomass, encompassing organic materials of modern biological origin, plays a pivotal role in addressing energy scarcity. Bioenergy, harnessed from biomass, is crucial for national development. Rural communities in Bangladesh heavily rely on biomass fuels, including wood, crop residues, and animal dung, for domestic use. The Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) anticipates a 25% increase in rural biomass fuel demand by 2041 due to population growth and changing cooking practices. Biogas-to-electricity initiatives gained momentum in the early 2000s, with organizations like IDCOL and Grameen Shakti leading the way. IDCOL's Biogas Program initiated in 2004 marked a turning point by providing electricity to off-grid rural areas. Subsequent integration with solar home systems in 2008 enhanced energy reliability. In the 2010s, IDCOL expanded its efforts, aiming to install 4,000 biogas plants, contributing to clean cooking fuel and electricity. The government's commitment to a 10% renewable energy share by 2021 further bolstered these initiatives. Biogas, generated through anaerobic digestion, has emerged as a cost-effective and sustainable solution, particularly small household-based fixed dome models. IDCOL's subsidy and support have driven the success of these renewable energy programs, achieving energy access and economic stability for rural households. The calorific value of biogas and its electricity potential hold promise for addressing energy demand challenges. Additionally, diverse biomass sources in Bangladesh exhibit varying sustainability and scalability scores, with agricultural residues showing high potential for both. Utilizing organic waste for biogas production in agricultural nations like Bangladesh holds promise for sustainable biogas technology and environmental impact reduction, contributing to the global transition towards cleaner energy sources. In summary, biogas-technology has emerged as a pivotal solution to combat energy scarcity, enhance sustainability, and promote economic stability in rural Bangladesh.