Biogas in South Africa - on an upward trajectory !
Market and regulatory conditions for development of biogas in SA
The growth of biogas in SADC is dynamic with a number of larger projects presently under construction or in development phase.
Bio2Watt digester in Bronkhorstspruit generating electricity using abattoir and food manufacturing waste
Pepsico Isando Simba Chip plant biogas unit using the gas though a CHP unit
Cape Biogas plant using food manufacturing waste to create BCNG and clean CO2
Woodlands Dairy plant biogas system using the gas through a boiler system for heat in the plant
Work is being done with government and SALGA (Southern African Gas Association) to ensure that biogas unit standards align to the needs for safety and development in this space. Two unit standards have been developed one for domestic, small size below 0,5GJ and a commercial standard for above 0,5GJ. Training materials and courses have been developed around these two standards.
The need for biogas technology is high with high interest from large scale consumers and waste generators, as well as municipalities, and other parties. The interesting mix of market in the country with commercial scale food producers and small-scale farmers creates a mixed market place with potential business at all scales.
Viewpoints and insights
Biogas has taken a long time to get established and get going in Southern Africa. However, the conditions for growth have never been better. SA is a signatory to the Paris Accord which will limit the organic waste to landfill by 2030 Municipalities and other interested parties have started to budget real money towards this challenge and biogas is standing head and shoulders above any other solution being presented presently. The cost of energy is constantly increasing and SA has a large and dynamic youth who are engaged and looking for opportunities to grow and progress.
SABIA – The Southern African Biogas Industry Association
SABIA is a grass-roots association started in 2013 by interested individuals and companies to support and grow biogas in Southern Africa. Initially supported by IDC with a board of volunteers the association is legally registered as a non-profit. With onward support from its members and UNIDO, the association has grown and is involved in the following sectors:
- - Legislation and regulation of biogas in Southern Africa
- - Development and training of biogas practitioners
- - Public awareness
- - R&D around biogas, energy crops, slurry usage and other
- - Project alignment assistance
- - Development of guidelines and technical documents
- - Hosting of biogas shows and technical conferences
Mission
Creating a single voice to promote the multiple benefits of biogas in South Africa
Onward support from GIZ, UNIDO and a development of a biogas centre of excellence in conjunction with ARC has assisted growth.
Gordon Ayres, Secretary General, SABIA
Gordon Ayres is amongst South Africa’s leading biogas experts. With a huge range of practical experience and key learnings with social based projects, Gordon is in demand to assist with projects as wide ranging as city engagements with small scale biogas to planning and implementing biogas solutions for some of the most premier game parks in Botswana. He has consulted to government institutes such as CSIR, SANEDI and ECDC; and to international organisations including UNIDO, USAID and Oxfam.Gordon is a one of the founding members of the Southern African Biogas Industry Association and is presently the Secretary General. In this role, he established the Biogas Centre of Excellence (BCoE) at ARC Irene for the advancement of biogas and biogas training in Southern Africa. Gordon trains various groups from Government officials through to unskilled youth on biogas and waste management including Materials Recycling and valorisation of waste.