Situation analysis in the construction and operation of biogas plant: A case study at the Open University of Sri Lanka

Abstract

A pilot biogas plant of 8m3 capacity was constructed at the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) in order to demonstrate the practicability of such a plant. Despite rising costs in meeting domestic energy needs, especially for cooking, the uptake of renewable energies, such as biogas, solar and wind is remarkably slow. This study was carried out to assess the present awareness of biogas technology and to identify practical difficulties in implementing biogas plants for domestic use. The study was done with a convenient sample of people drawn from the employees and students of the OUSL. The study commenced with the assessment of awareness of biogas technology, followed by participatory program in construction and commissioning. The project successfully addressed the misconceptions and was able to create interest among participants to construct their own plants. Non awareness and misconceptions related to the level of technology involved and maintenance were identified as main obstacles.