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The gas is
primarily made up of Methane, Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide and may have small amounts
of Hydrogen Sulphide, moisture and Siloxanes[2]. Biogas can be combusted allowing its use as a
fuel for any heating purposes such as cooking. It can also be used in anaerobic digesters in a gas
engine to convert the energy in the gas into electricity and heat [3]. Like Natural Gas, Biogas can
also be compressed and used to power motor vehicles [4]–[6]. The anaerobic digestion process
leaves a nutrient-rich digestate that can be used as fertilizer [2].
At least 2 000 Biogas digesters have been installed throughout Zimbabwe as rural communities
embrace new alternative and cleaner renewable energy solutions [7]. The Zimbabwe Power
Company (ZPC) is failing to meet local domestic power demand [8]. For that reason, there is
need to look to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to ensure a steady and reliable power supply
for home, school and hospital use. Table below gives a brief SWOT analysis on Biogas
production in Zimbabwe as a profit venture.
Strengths Weaknesses
Biogas provides a renewable source of energy that is environmentally friendly. The project is
likely to receive a warm welcome and support from international investors promoting Green
Technology. However, such projects are mainly for rural communities. Economically, the
venture may not be a profitable one since most Zimbabwean rural communities live on less than
$1.9 per day [19]–[21]. Zimbabwean by-laws are also archaic and impede business growth [22].
Policies regarding power generation and energy distribution are stringent in an attempt to keep
the ZPC in a monopolistic position.
Based on the above analysis, it is not advisable to venture into Biogas production as an
entrepreneur.
References
[1] “What is Biogas? A beginners Guide | Homebiogas.” [Online]. Available:
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[Accessed: 08-Nov-2018].
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[7] W. Mawire, “Zimbabwe’s Rural Communities Embrace Biogas As Alternative Form Of
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[8] R. Chahuruva and T. Dei, “Study on Isolated Solar Home Systems for Application in
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[9] V. J. Bruckman et al., “ACMECS Bioenergy 2015 Three Years of Effort Towards a
Regional Bioenergy Network,” p. 27.
[10] “Coal v renewables. Here’s what you need to know,” triple j, 14-Feb-2017. [Online].
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need-to-know/8269964. [Accessed: 08-Nov-2018].
[11] newsday, “REA forms subsidiary to produce electricity poles,” NewsDay Zimbabwe, 07-
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[12] “All news and updates about Rural Electrification Agency. REA,” Techzim. [Online].
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[Online]. Available:
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[14] N. J. Hyne, Dictionary of petroleum exploration, drilling & production. pg. 190:
PennWell Books, 1991.
[15] “Clean Coal Technologies | Carbon Capture and Storage | CCS - World Nuclear
Association.” [Online]. Available: http://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/energy-
and-the-environment/clean-coal-technologies.aspx. [Accessed: 08-Nov-2018].
[16] T. Chronicle, “Batoka Gorge power plant plan expanded to 2,400MW,” The Chronicle.
[Online]. Available: https://www.chronicle.co.zw/batoka-gorge-power-plant-plan-expanded-
to-2400mw/. [Accessed: 08-Nov-2018].
[17] T. Herald, “Four power producers approach Zera for licences,” The Herald. [Online].
Available: https://www.herald.co.zw/four-power-producers-approach-zera-for-licences/.
[Accessed: 08-Nov-2018].
[18] “Zimbabwe Energy Situation - energypedia.info.” [Online]. Available:
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[19] S. Ramdharee, “Energy Efficiency gains through biogas,” SOUTH Afr., p. 31.
[20] newsday, “Mysterious cattle deaths affect future of biogas digester projects,” NewsDay
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digester-projects/. [Accessed: 08-Nov-2018].
[21] W. M. Goriwondo, D. Zimwara, and T. T. Manhongo, “WASTE MANAGEMENT
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CASE STUDY OF BULAWAYO CITY, ZIMBABWE,” p. 2, 2011.
[22] “‘Rope in private sector on biogas,’” The Zimbabwe Daily, 25-Sep-2018. [Online].
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biogas.html. [Accessed: 08-Nov-2018].