Biogas as a Sustainable Energy Source in Nepal Present Status.pdfVIP

Biogas as a Sustainable Energy Source in Nepal: Present Status and Future Challenges 1 2 3* Rajeeb Gautam , Sumit Baral , Sunil Herat 1: PhD Candidate, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A5B9, Canada, Ph + 1 519 661 2111 Ext. 81290, Fax + 1 519 661 3498, email rgautam@uwo.ca. 2 : Manager, Information Management and Planning (Research), Nepal Tourism Board, Tourist Service Center, Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, Nepal, P.O. Box 11018, Ph +977 1 256909/256229/256230 Ext. 124, Fax +977 1 256910, email sbaral@.np. 3 : Senior Lecturer, Griffith School of Engineering, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia, Ph +61 7 3735 6682, Fax +61 7 3735 7459, email s.herat@.au. *: Corresponding author. 1 Abstract Cattle manure, human excreta and agriculture residues are used in anaerobic bioreactors in many parts of the world to produce methane gas, which is used for the purpose of cooking and lighting. Since such waste materials are readily available in farms, rural people of many developing countries have been benefited from this technology. Besides, this technology is cheaper and simpler, thus gaining popularity throughout the world. Nepal is one of the least developed countries with the vast majority of people involved in subsistence agriculture. The use of biogas technology in Nepal has benefited the country in improving health, environment, economy and energy conservation. In this paper, we present the state of the biogas sector in Nepal. Key words: Biogas; Methane; Nepal; Cattle manure, Bioenergy. 2 1. Introduction and Background Methane (CH4) gas generated using biodegradable substances such as vegetable wastes, agriculture residues, wastewater, cattle manure, human excreta, etc. in anaerobic r