About 54 percent of the installed domestic biogas plants in Nepal are no longer in use. The study, conducted by Kathmandu University’s Renewable and Sustainable Energy Laboratory, is based on a survey of 2,559 households living in 10 districts across the country, along with plant inspections.

Domestic biogas technology, which has been operating in rural and peri-urban areas for two decades, has been promoted as a source of both clean energy and organic fertilizer. The high rate of shutdowns has raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of the technology.

According to the study, the main reason for plant shutdowns is technical malfunction. In particular, mixers, gas pipes, valves, and other pipeline systems have often been found damaged. More than a third of the households surveyed did not have enough cattle or goats, even though cow and buffalo dung is the primary raw material for biogas production. Lack of sufficient dung, irregular maintenance, and inadequate post-installation services have also contributed to plants becoming non-operational.

Furthermore, even among plants still in operation, production capacity has declined. The average daily gas output is about 0.4 cubic meters, significantly lower than expected. This reduction affects both the utility of the plants and users’ confidence in them.

The study estimates that, if the current closure rate continues, about 240,000 out of an estimated 450,000 plants across the country could become inactive. This would be a major setback for Nepal’s investments and plans for clean fuels and environmental protection. When plants shut down, families tend to revert to LPG or wood-burning stoves, which could increase health risks, environmental degradation, and economic burdens.

Researchers and technology experts emphasize that the goal should not be merely to install plants, but to ensure their long-term, continuous operation. This requires regular maintenance, availability of spare parts, and high-quality installation. They also suggest that the government and private sector collaborate to develop a rapid sustainability strategy, while reviewing promotion programs and subsidy policies to support the continued use of domestic biogas.

Urjasanchar