Appraising the combustion of biogas for sustainable rural energy needs

Abstract

This paper shows the combustion of biogas in rural households’ appliances. Biogas has been known since 1800s as an odourless and colourless gas with high combustion rate. Its use is beginning to gain ground in most developing countries like Nigeria due to its availability, ease of generation and environmental friendliness. Developing countries are characterized by poor infrastructural development, inadequate energy and water supply, poor health delivery system, etc. which hinders economic and social development. Most sources of rural households’ energy are firewood, animal dung, crop residue and kerosene which are associated with negative environmental impacts. The study was carried-out by articulation of past literatures on biogas combustion and consumption in household’s appliances and internal combustion engines. The study ascertains from the past studies high efficiency of biogas compared with natural gas and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) on stove-top burner, oven and two panel flue heater. It was observed that, biogas consumption is higher in all the appliances under investigation as compared to natural gas and LPG. The study recommended public enlightenment on biogas technology and its associate benefits to rural areas. The government and NGOs should encourage the application of this technology through financing of pilot projects in community leaders’ households which will extend to the populace. The technology should also be embraced because it is associated with environmental hygiene.

Key words: Efficiency, hygiene, sustainability, developing countries, biogas.