Bio-gas energy is cheapest source of energy and
technology involved is also cheap and simple and raw material is free of
cost--animal dung (manure) and plant waste.
Bio-gas energy technology is initiated by China had
was demonstrated in Pakistan in 1974. Later on in 1980-81, Pakistan launched a
national level program for development of Bio-as energy. A three phase’s
programr was scheduled;
(i) In the first phase, free of cost bio-gas plants
were provided by the Government, with technical expertise.
(ii) In the second phase, the beneficiary has to share the
50% cost of bio-gas plant.
(iii) While in the third phase beneficiary have to bear the
whole cost of the plant and Government will only provide the technical
know-how.
At the beginning, people show interest in bio-gas
energy and by 1985, more than 3,858 family units were set up, 65% were free of
cost, while 35% were on share basis. Its common use was for cooking and
lighting, and its technology involved with plant remain to be unsolved. Due to
technical, economic and social hurdles, the third phase of the programr has
not come, and number of bio-gas plant remained almost at the level of 1985. If
bio-gas gains popularity, the 67% people living in rural area, can make the
best use of this source of energy, and their economic and social life may be
uplifted. A New Zealand based firm has initiated a biogas project at Karachi (A
4 Lakh Cattle farm at Landis). It will generate 250 MW of electricity and 1500
tonnes of high grade organic fertilizer per day.