The fading promise of biogas in Nepal: Prioritise sustainability over installation
Summary
Nepal's household biogas programme faces a sustainability crisis, with over half of plants non-functional due to maintenance neglect and socio-economic changes, threatening climate and health goals.
Key Points
- Nepal's household biogas programme has nearly half of installed plants non-functional, revealing a high abandonment rate.
- Neglect in maintenance, lack of spare parts, and socio-economic factors like outmigration and declining livestock contribute to system failure.
- Abandonment leads to increased use of firewood or LPG, worsening indoor pollution and deforestation, and losing climate mitigation benefits.
- A shift from installation-focused subsidies to lifecycle performance and sustained service is crucial to restore biogas viability and climate goals.
