Small-scale Rural Biogas Programmes: A handbook

Renewable energy is becoming crucially important, as concern over burning fossil fuels is increasing and the price of oil continues to rise. Biogas technology has undergone great developments since the first designs in the 1970s. Large national projects are working very effectively in countries such as Nepal, India and China, where hundreds of thousands of biogas plants have been installed; and Europe has a fast-growing interest in biogas technology. This book focuses on biogas extension programmes in these countries, and demonstrates the applicability of the technology elsewhere. It provides a comprehensive overview of the existing knowledge covering: the history of biogas programmes, the technology behind them, the value of biogas effluent as compost, details of the main domestic biogas plant designs, how biogas extension programmes work, and how they could be replicated. It includes detailed diagrams and appendices on the design of biogas plants.This is essential reading for those running biogas plants, as well as students of renewable energy and engineering.

‘David Fulford's extensive knowledge of biogas through decades of work in the UK and overseas has been brought into this excellent and timely book.’
Maria M. Vahdati is a lecturer in Renewable Energy at the University of Reading, UK.

‘This book is thorough and well written from a practical perspective. I highly recommend it.’
Jo Smith, Professor of soil organic matter and nutrient modelling, University of Aberdeen, UK

‘Every farmer should have a copy of this invaluable handbook, into which David Fulford has packed the technical knowledge and wisdom he has acquired over many years of designing, installing and operating AD plants all over the world.’
James Skinner, Trustee, Organic Research Centre; Trustee Emeritus, New Economics Foundation.

‘Small-scale Rural Biogas Programmes is an excellent update in the field of biogas.’
Ainea Kimaro won the Ashden Awards 2005 and is the Managing Director for Biogas and Solar Co. Ltd, Bagamoyo Tanzania

‘David Fulford once again helps us think more clearly about important issues in rural biogas implementation.’
Vianney Tumwesige of Green Heat (U) Ltd, Kampala, Uganda