Sistema.bio unveils world's largest biogas plant manufacturing facility

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

The worldwide leading biogas social enterprise for small-holder farmers, celebrated World Environment Day 2023 with the inauguration of the world's largest biodigester manufacturing facility in Pune. This groundbreaking achievement aligns with the company's ambitious goal of reducing one per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030.

The facility spans 130,000 square feet, and boasts an annual production capacity of 100,000 biodigesters, and received investment to the tune of USD $1.8 million (about Sh250.5 million). The company said it will impact the lives of 600,000 farmers and capture up to one million tonnes of CO2e annually.

This 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.

According to Sistema.bio, 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.

Co-founder and CEO at Sistema.bio, Alexander Eaton said the facility will serve 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," said Eaton.

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, Sistema.bio'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.

The factory efficiently produces modern biogas accessories, including booster pumps, biogas purifiers, and H2S filters. Additionally, the facility assembles biogas cookstoves and other devices and machinery required on farms to maximize the economic, environmental, and health co-benefits associated with biodigesters.

With a rejection rate of less than one per cent, 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 Madrin Maina, said 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.

"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," said Maina.

Kenya is the leader in biogas policies and investments in Africa and so far has approximately 17,000 farmers making use of biodigester technology.

"With the increased supply from our new manufacturing plant, we are looking at more than doubling that figure over the next two years and reduce the country's carbon emissions by over 1.5 million tonnes," said Maina.

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.

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