Seeking Alternatives to Energy Crisis: Can Biogas Technology Offer Long-term Relief?

The ongoing energy crisis in Bangladesh and volatile international LPG prices are making daily life increasingly difficult for common citizens. Families in rural and semi-urban areas are struggling to cope with the rising costs of cooking gas. In this challenging scenario, biogas produced from household waste and livestock manure is emerging as a beacon of hope for the national energy sector. This eco-friendly technology not only meets cooking fuel demands but also produces organic fertilizer, reducing farmers' reliance on chemical alternatives. Consequently, it fosters self-reliance in the rural economy, which could play a vital role in ensuring long-term national energy security.

According to the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), thousands of biogas plants are currently operational in Bangladesh, mostly built through private initiatives. However, this number is negligible compared to the country's actual potential, given the vast amount of livestock and agricultural waste available. Experts estimate that the daily waste generated from a standard dairy or poultry farm could easily power a medium-sized biogas plant. Although several public and private projects were initiated in the past, many became non-functional due to poor maintenance and a lack of technical expertise. Furthermore, high bank interest rates and substantial initial setup costs continue to deter small-scale farmers from adopting this technology.

To boost this sector, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, along with the Department of Environment, has initiated the formulation of new policy guidelines. Discussions are underway to make biogas plants mandatory for commercial poultry and dairy farms, which could revolutionize waste management. The Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) is providing low-interest loans and technical assistance for setting up biogas plants in rural areas. Field-level agricultural officers are regularly organizing community meetings and training workshops to educate farmers about the benefits of biogas. However, stakeholders argue that, similar to import duty waivers on LPG, tax exemptions should be granted on raw materials imported for domestic biogas technology.

Cholti News editorial analysis indicates that developing domestic sources like biogas is imperative to reduce over-reliance on imported fuels. Rather than keeping policies confined to paper, the government must ensure the accessibility of this technology at the grassroots level. A biogas revolution is highly achievable if easy-term loans and subsidies are provided to small and medium-scale farmers. Additionally, coordinated efforts are required to repair non-functional plants and train local technicians for maintenance. To win the dual battle of energy security and environmental protection, prioritizing biogas in the national energy mix is the need of the hour.