Cost Effectiveness Analysis of Household Biogas Plants in China

Anaerobic digester technology is a mature technology alongside other renewable energy technologies such as hydropower, solar power, etc. It is used worldwide despite limitations in some geographical locations where temperature affects the anaerobic yield. China has devoted enormous resources to promote the dissemination of household biogas plants (typically ranging from 8 to 10 m3). This study aims to analyze usage of household biogas plants in China including installation cost, CO2 emission reduction, payback period, ecological effects and biogas plant limitations. The payback period of household biogas plants is seen to be less than two years. A large cut in expenditure is demonstrated by substituting commercial fertilizers with slurry, improving soil texture and crop yield (by 25%) as well. Biogas improves indoor air quality and sanitation, though it is less likely to reduce farmers' fuel expenditure.