Farmers in Egypt, including 43-year-old Mohamed Eissa from Beni Suef province, are embracing biogas production units as a sustainable solution to rising costs and environmental concerns. These units, provided through an initiative by a Cairo-based bioenergy company, convert manure into cooking fuel and organic fertilizers, offering both economic and agricultural benefits.
“The unit benefits us both at home and in the field,” Eissa explained. “It has cut down our reliance on butane cylinders. I used to buy four cylinders a month, each costing EGP 170 ($3.30). Now, I only need one cylinder, saving me around EGP 500 ($9.80) monthly. Plus, I use the organic fertilizers it produces to nourish my potato crop.”
As global interest in biogas as a clean alternative to fossil fuels rises, Egypt’s adoption remains modest. Ahmed Medhat, a former executive director of Egypt’s Bioenergy Association for Sustainable Development, highlighted the country’s untapped potential.
“Currently, there are fewer than 5,000 household biogas units, which is just half a percent of Egypt’s capacity,” Medhat noted. He attributed the slow progress to funding shortages and a lack of awareness about the benefits of biogas. “A comprehensive system is needed to educate people on how biogas units can address Egypt’s energy challenges,” he added.
Despite the challenges, the future of biogas looks promising. The International Energy Agency predicts a 32% increase in global biogas production between 2023 and 2028, a trend Egypt could capitalize on with the right support and infrastructure.
This shift toward sustainable energy is not only reducing costs for farmers like Eissa but also contributing to a greener and more energy-independent future for Egypt.
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