Biogas Systems and Compressor Workshop
The “Improving the Performance and Reliability of Renewable Energy Power System in Samoa” (IMPRESS Project) has funded for the procurement of Biogas Compressors that will enhance the operation and storage of Biogas. The aim of the workshop is to ensure the Project and its partners have sought for the expertise from Public and Private Sector partners on measures which requires the Government’s attention when conducting the Biogas Compressors Pilot Programme.
The development of Biogas in Samoa is to reduce the reliability of communities on the uses of high gas emitting energy sources such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Electric Stoves and Biomass (Firewood). The Gas Compressors in Samoa will allow biogas to be easily traded as one of the energy source for cooking.
The Outcome of the Workshop are;
1. Identify challenges and solutions to Biogas Compressing.
a. What are the experiences from relevant stakeholders?
2. Identify a business model suitable for Biogas Compressors
a. Who supplies feedstock, sells biogas and what is the biogas share holder percentages
3. Identify a potential tariff for Biogas when sold at Stores
a. The advice of the stakeholders (i.e OOTR or Petroleum Taskforce Committee)
b. Who decides the tarrif?
4. Identify the market for Biogas Generation and Production?
a. Who are the potential investors? (Local & International)
5. Identify possible funding opportunities for Biogas enhancements?
a. What are the additional resources needed?
b. What are the existing financing platforms available?
6. Identify the best feedstock and main supply for Biogas development
a. The Agriculture counter-part to advise on feedstock availability and possible business model to follow for all users (value chain)
7. Identify Biogas Systems for Biogas Trialing?
a. Who are the potential Systems? (SROS, MAF and MNRE to advise)
8. Identifying all possible partners for Biogas Feedstock Supply.
a. Biogas Operators to Advise
9. Identify possibility of setting up a National Biogas Committee
a. What are the roles and responsibilities of each members?
b. Establishing subcommittee, activities and funding requirements for M&E.
10. Experiences and Concerns from Stakeholders
The completion of the workshop allowed the Project to coordinate chain link activities mentioned above to assist in the development of an appropriate business model for Biogas Systems in Samoa that will enable the Government to identify the roles and responsibilities for each party that will be involved in Biogas Systems and compressor technologies.
The presenters from today’s workshop were;
– Ministry of Finance
-Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
-Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
-Samoa Trust Estate Corporation
-Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa
-Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour
-United Nations Development Programme
Overall, while biogas production can be a profitable business, it’s essential to carefully consider the financial and market factors before pursuing such a venture. It’s also important to take into account the potential environmental and social benefits of biogas production, which can further enhance the value of a biogas business beyond its profitability.