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Is Bigger Better? Exploring Sustainable Delivery Models for Multi-Scale East African Smart Biogas Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Benjamin L. Robinson

    (Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK)

  • Winfred Pemba

    (Green Impact Technologies, Area 47, Lilongwe 30487, Malawi)

  • Viola Ninsiima

    (Biogas Solutions Uganda Limited, Plot 36 Luthuli Rise, Bugolobi, Kampala P.O. Box 8339, Uganda)

  • Gideon Muhindo

    (Biogas Solutions Uganda Limited, Plot 36 Luthuli Rise, Bugolobi, Kampala P.O. Box 8339, Uganda)

  • Admore Chiumia

    (Green Impact Technologies, Area 47, Lilongwe 30487, Malawi)

  • Mike J. Clifford

    (Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK)

  • Joseph Hewitt

    (School of Energy, Construction and Environment, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK)

  • Michel Muvule

    (Biogas Solutions Uganda Limited, Plot 36 Luthuli Rise, Bugolobi, Kampala P.O. Box 8339, Uganda)

Abstract

With the deadline for the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the horizon, the global community is forging a pathway through the ever-more complex global ecosystem to 2030. Whilst household-scale AD systems have seen significant attention, the community and commercial scales remain significantly under-researched. This paper aims to explore the state-of-the-art in energy access, AD and smart metering, and presents three scales of AD system delivery models which can potentially unlock meaningful pathways to energy access and the completion of SDG7. We achieve this through a two-phase qualitative methodology: first, an in-person participatory market systems development workshop in Malawi, and second, by leveraging experts’ knowledge of the Uganda and Malawian biogas sector to develop the case studies that illustrate the three scales of the AD system delivery model. Our findings analyse these delivery models, exploring the disconnection between digester size and delivery model, overcoming delivery model weaknesses through blended approaches to energy access, the role of digitalisation, and the importance of tailoring the delivery models to specific contexts. Ultimately, by drawing on real-world examples of AD system delivery models, this paper concludes by proposing a novel entire ecosystems or systems approach to biogas implementation through the blending of different scales of implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Benjamin L. Robinson & Winfred Pemba & Viola Ninsiima & Gideon Muhindo & Admore Chiumia & Mike J. Clifford & Joseph Hewitt & Michel Muvule, 2025. "Is Bigger Better? Exploring Sustainable Delivery Models for Multi-Scale East African Smart Biogas Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:5:p:1045-:d:1596476
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jensen C. Shuma & Estomih Sawe & Anna Clements & Shukuru B. Meena & Katarina Aloyce & Anande E. Ngaya, 2022. "eCooking Delivery Models: Approach to Designing Delivery Models for Electric Pressure Cookers with Case Study for Tanzania," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-31, January.
    2. Terrapon-Pfaff, Julia & Gröne, Marie-Christine & Dienst, Carmen & Ortiz, Willington, 2018. "Impact pathways of small-scale energy projects in the global south – Findings from a systematic evaluation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 84-94.
    3. Iwona Bisaga & Long Seng To, 2021. "Funding and Delivery Models for Modern Energy Cooking Services in Displacement Settings: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-19, July.
    4. Hamid, R.G. & Blanchard, R.E., 2018. "An assessment of biogas as a domestic energy source in rural Kenya: Developing a sustainable business model," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 368-376.
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    Keywords

    biogas; delivery models; Uganda; Malawi; clean cooking; SDG7;
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