A floating dome biogas digester: perceptions of energising a rural school in Maphephetheni, KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether biogas technology could provide a school with an acceptable, affordable, efficient and sustainable alternative energy resource, thereby providing opportunities for cost savings, income generation and greater opportunities for education. The school selected for this study was Myeka High School, situated in rural Maphephetheni village, KwaZuluNatal. The school was not connected to grid electricity and was using solar PV energy and LP gas to support its energy needs. A floating dome biogas system, which operated on human excreta and cow dung, was donated to the school to supplement the school’s energy needs. Data was collected using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Results revealed that the biogas was an acceptable source of energy because the school used the biogas for cooking and refrigeration. However, it was not affordable as savings on energy expenditure of the school could not offset the original cost of the biogas system unless a capital subsidy is applied. The long-term benefits on the educational environment cannot be underestimated. Biogas energy was found to be both efficient and sustainable, provided proper management was in place. In spite of this, findings indicated a lack of appreciation of how the system functioned by teachers and students; the need for more thorough and ongoing education of users before and after installation; the need for robust toilets and washbasins; and on the difficulties in getting the system fully operational in the limited time span for evaluation. Although income generation opportunities through biogas were not utilised at the school, there was an opportunity for income generation through biogas generation, provided there was encouragement, support and markets available.