Energy consumption in rural households and biogas plants: tasks ahead

Abstract

The recent upswing in the price of crude oil has prompted many nations to look into other sources of energy. The large number of cattle in this country makes it possible to consider biogas plants as an alternate energy source. The Fuel Policy Committee has recommended the popularization of biogas plants in rural areas. In this paper, the authors have analysed policy options and problems faced by various agencies in the promotion, sales, and servicing of biogas plants. Primary data were collected by interviewing a selected sample of plant owners in Gujarat State. Discussions were also held with officials of the Gujarat Rajya Khadi Gramodyog Board and the Khadi Village Industries Commission, two of the agencies involved in the promotional work. After a detailed analysis of the data, the authors have recommended certain measures to improve sales and servicing facilities and to optimize returns.