PanEco

The latest project of PPLH Seloliman eases the problem of finding fuel. Biogas plants use cow dung instead of burning wood from the endangered rainforests. Farmers can produce their own fuel using very basic means.

In 2009, PPLH Seloliman initiated the "Cook with Biogas" project that met with huge interest from people in the region. Cooking fuel often comes from illegal logging in the neighbouring forests, resulting in the inevitable erosion and flooding of the hilly terrain. Cow dung had always been used as affordable fertiliser for the fields. The fact that gas can also be produced from the dung is an additional benefit that the project is seeking to exploit.

A biogas system comprises in principle a cellophane bag to collect the cow dung and a pipe for the gas. Exposure to strong sunshine ferments the dung and releases a gas that can be burnt immediately. A careful assessment must be conducted before a biogas installation can be set up. It should be as near as possible to the house where the gas is used to ensure the pipes are not too long. The chosen spot must receive sunshine for half a day and the system should be built on firm ground. The cowshed should also not be too far away from the system. Four biogas plants have already been installed and, after initial teething problems, now run successfully.

The largest plant will now be installed in Pacet. A large-scale plant measuring 3x7 metres will be built a short distance from the village. The plant consists of three cellophane bag reactors powered by the dung of 80 cows. The inhabitants of Pacet are able to pump gas into plastic containers and use it for cooking at home. The installation is very modern and the PPLH is hopeful that other communities will follow this example.