By Jane Chanda
Dapro Contracting Company director David Odaggia Malama says biogas digesters are a viable solution to Zambia’s energy challenges, particularly in rural areas where access to electricity and gas is limited.
In an interview with Daily Revelation yesterday, Malama said Biogas digesters could generate power using human waste, producing methane gas that could be used in generators (gensets) designed to utilise this gas, adding that this could be done at both household and industrial levels.”
He highlighted the cost-effectiveness and renewability of biogas energy, urging the government to invest in this project to address power deficit challenges.
Malama pointed out that biogas digesters could be particularly useful for rural communities, farmers, and institutions providing a reliable source of energy for cooking and lighting.
He stressed the need for investment in gensets designed to use methane gas, which could be used at industrial, commercial, and household levels.
“Setting up plants in strategic areas to harvest methane gas through biogas digesters would be ideal. These plants can supply cities, towns, or rural areas, depending on their size and capacity,” Malama said. “The beauty of biogas energy is that it’s a renewable source, reducing our reliance on charcoal and firewood, which contribute to deforestation and environmental degradation. By investing in biogas digesters, we can create jobs, improve sanitation hygiene and increase energy access for rural communities.”
Malama also said the government needed to create an enabling environment for the growth of the biogas sector.
He said this included providing incentives for investors, developing policies that support biogas production, and raising awareness about the benefits of biogas energy.
“We need to think outside the box and explore alternative energy sources like biogas to address our power challenges,” Malama said. “With the right investment and support, biogas digesters can play a significant role in Zambia’s energy mix, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for our energy needs.”
Malama further explained that biogas digesters could be designed to suit different capacities and needs, making them a versatile solution for various settings.
“We can design biogas digesters for small-scale use in households or large-scale use in industrial settings. This flexibility makes biogas energy a viable option for many different applications,” he said.
Malama said time to invest in biogas energy was now.
Malama said the country could not continue to rely on traditional energy sources that harmed the environment and depleted natural resources.
