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The Effects of Rwanda’s Biogas Program on Energy Expenditure and Fuel Use

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  • Bedi, Arjun S.
  • Pellegrini, Lorenzo
  • Tasciotti, Luca

Abstract

Dependence on biomass to meet domestic energy needs raises several socio-environmental concerns. In contrast, cattle manure, which may be used to generate biogas, is considered a cleaner and cheaper energy source. Despite several initiatives toyears of education promote biogas, systematic analyses of its effects are limited. This paper uses data from Rwanda to examine the effects of participating in a biogas program on energy-related expenditures and consumption of traditional fuels. We find evidence of substantial reductions in firewood use and large savings. However, the attractiveness of the program is hampered by a long payback period and low rates of return.

Suggested Citation

  • Bedi, Arjun S. & Pellegrini, Lorenzo & Tasciotti, Luca, 2015. "The Effects of Rwanda’s Biogas Program on Energy Expenditure and Fuel Use," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 461-474.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:67:y:2015:i:c:p:461-474
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.11.008
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    1. Gautam, Rajeeb & Baral, Sumit & Herat, Sunil, 2009. "Biogas as a sustainable energy source in Nepal: Present status and future challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(1), pages 248-252, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Talevi, Marta & Pattanayak, Subhrendu K. & Das, Ipsita & Lewis, Jessica J. & Singha, Ashok K., 2022. "Speaking from experience: Preferences for cooking with biogas in rural India," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 107(C).
    2. Bedi, Arjun S. & Sparrow, Robert & Tasciotti, Luca, 2017. "The impact of a household biogas programme on energy use and expenditure in East Java," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 66-76.
    3. Mukeshimana, Marie Claire & Zhao, Zhen-Yu & Nshimiyimana, Jean Pierre, 2021. "Evaluating strategies for renewable energy development in Rwanda: An integrated SWOT – ISM analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 176(C), pages 402-414.
    4. Timothy Sibanda & Jean Damascene Uzabakiriho, 2024. "Animal Manure as an Alternative Bioenergy Resource in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa: Present Insights, Challenges, and Prospects for Future Advancements," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-15, April.
    5. Mukeshimana, Marie Claire & Zhao, Zhen-Yu & Ahmad, Munir & Irfan, Muhammad, 2021. "Analysis on barriers to biogas dissemination in Rwanda: AHP approach," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 163(C), pages 1127-1137.
    6. KeChrist Obileke & Nwabunwanne Nwokolo & Golden Makaka & Patrick Mukumba & Helen Onyeaka, 2021. "Anaerobic digestion: Technology for biogas production as a source of renewable energy—A review," Energy & Environment, , vol. 32(2), pages 191-225, March.
    7. Yasmin, Nazia & Grundmann, Philipp, 2019. "Adoption and diffusion of renewable energy – The case of biogas as alternative fuel for cooking in Pakistan," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 255-264.
    8. Roopnarain, Ashira & Adeleke, Rasheed, 2017. "Current status, hurdles and future prospects of biogas digestion technology in Africa," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 1162-1179.

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