World's largest biogas plant unveiled in India

The new facility will annually produce a volume of 100,000 biodigesters which equals an impact on 600,000 farmers [courtesy]

Sistemabio, a leading biogas social enterprise for small-holder farmers marked the celebration of World Environment Day 2023 with the inauguration of the world's largest bio-digester manufacturing facility in Pune, India.

The groundbreaking achievement aligns with the company's ambitious goal of reducing 1 per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. Spanning an impressive 130,000 square feet, the facility boasts an annual production capacity of 100,000 biodigesters, which will impact the lives of 600,000 farmers and capture up to 1 million tons of CO2e annually.

With a significant investment of Sh250 million ($1.8 million), the state-of-the-art facility is primed to meet the growing demand for energy access and fertilizing solutions among smallholder farmers in the Asia Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America regions, where Sistema.bio operates across 31 countries.

The advancements in biogas technology and increased production capacity will play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable development goals, promoting environmental conservation, and accelerating the transition to decarbonized agriculture.

At the inauguration event, Sistemabio's Co-founder and CEO, Alexander Eaton, expressed his pride and appreciation for the facility, stating, "This facility serves as a global benchmark for innovative technology and efficient business operations, creating a profound impact worldwide. For each smart biogas unit that rolls out of this facility, we can measure tangible outcomes in terms of improved livelihoods for farmers, enhanced human health, and a healthier climate. I am incredibly proud of the team that designed and launched this facility, as well as those who work diligently here every day!" Currently operating at a daily capacity of 360 units, the factory has plans to double its output through automation. Compared to the previous facility's production capacity of 30,000 units, this new factory's annual capacity of 100,000 units marks a significant leap forward. The facility has obtained ISO 9001 certification, ensuring the delivery of high-quality products that adhere to strict quality standards and efficient production processes.

Furthermore, Sistemabio's innovative biogas technology is patented under the invention titled 'Method for Producing a Biogas Reactor and Membrane Template' in accordance with the provisions of the Patent Act, 1970. Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, the factory efficiently produces modern biogas accessories, including booster pumps, biogas purifiers, and H2S filters.

Additionally, the facility assembles biogas cook stoves and other devices and machinery required on farms to maximize the economic, environmental, and health co-benefits associated with bio digesters.

The facility handles approximately 4.5 tons of waste per month during the manufacturing process. Over the next five years, Sistema.bio aims to implement automation to significantly increase its capacity, enabling the company to reach hundreds of thousands of farmers across the country.

Sistema.bio's Regional Director, East Africa Eng. Madrin Maina, said, "Today, we celebrate the opening of the world's largest biodigester factory, not only for the remarkable engineering and teamwork achievement it represents but also for the potential it holds to improve the lives of small hold farmers in Africa. Based on livestock ownership, water availability and climate, research shows that cooking with biogas is viable for at least 18.5 million farming families in Africa. Kenya is the leader in biogas policies and investments in Africa and so far has approximately 17000 farmers using biodigester technology. With the increased supply from our new manufacturing plant, we are looking at more than doubling that figure over the next 2 years and reducing the country's carbon emissions by over 1.5 million tonnes.

The launch of the world's largest biodigester manufacturing facility marks a significant milestone in the sustainable energy landscape. This unprecedented facility will revolutionize the biogas industry, enabling Sistema.bio to meet the increasing demand for clean energy solutions among farmers worldwide.