Brief Background
The Livestock sector in Bhutan is considered one of the highest non-energy-related GHG emitters in the country. The livestock in Bhutan emitted about 567 ktCO2e GHG emissions in 2005 and 2010 respectively (The National Strategy and Action Plan for Low Carbon Development, 2012, National Environment Commission). However, Biogas plants have the potential to reduce GHG emissions, about 0.4 tonnes per plant per year. It is assumed that 8628 nos. of a biogas plant has the potential to reduce GHG emission of about 56,480 tons of CO2eq annually.
Besides, it also provides opportunities for additional revenues that can be generated through the mobilization of carbon credits through certified emission reductions (CERs) or verified emission reductions (VERs). Enhancing the Generation of Biogas from the Livestock Program is also expected to offer opportunities for Bhutanese industries to participate in the voluntary carbon market.
Biogas is an important renewable energy source that can have several positive environmental and socio-economic benefits, mitigating climate change, promoting renewable energy, managing waste, and improving air quality and human health. Thus, the government has prioritized it as one of the important programs in the 12th FYP.
Broad Objectives:
- To contribute to the national aim of reduction of poverty levels by improving livelihoods and quality of life of rural farmers.
- To reduce the impact of biomass resource depletion.
- To support national goals of food production and livestock development.
- To improve health and hygiene.
Mandates:
- To install biogas plants in all rural households (Population), religious institutions, schools Government Livestock Farms, etc
- To provide Technical Assistance and after-sale- services to the beneficiaries.
- To ensure the continued operation of all biogas plants installed under the program.
- To maximize the benefits of the operated biogas plants, in particular, the optimum use of biogas and bio-slurry.
