Publications

The report focuses on the efforts of the Biogas Pilot Programme (BPP) and SNV in developing expertise on bio-slurry management and utilisation. They aim to capacitate the extension workers for the promotion and transfer of knowledge to the biogas famers in order to increase their yield and soil fertility for sustainability land use. The objectives were two-fold: 

• To increase the yield of the farmer by enhancing and promoting on bio-slurry management and utilisation for the famers who have a plant;
• To raise manure awareness and reduce chemical fertiliser on agriculture producing for the farmers.

The report concludes that, even though the training on bio-slurry is not a new topic for the BPP, the process and mythology on this training was new, also the content. The trainer and advisor tried to find out local appropriate methods and content useful for participants. This can be used in the real situation for Lao PDR to increase the yield and income for the farmer. In this training, the participants learnt a lot about bio-slurry management and utilization and they had practiced this in the field.

All the tools and the methods that were used in the training were useful and can help the extension workers on provincial level to train their staff.  Bio-slurry use can also help to increase GDP, especially because bio-slurry will save our nature and land use will become more sustainable. The Terms of Reference for Local Capacity Builder to support on conducting bio-slurry mission is included.

Biogas user survey pilot programme 2007 in Lao PDR, 2007, 56 pages.

This field study evaluates the performance of existing biogas plants under the framework of the Biogas Pilot Programme (BPP) in Lao PDR. Study findings indicated that out of the theoretical quantity of available dung, only 44% was fed into the plant. Further, 95% of the households produced the required quantity of feeding materials, and the water-dung ration was correct in 80% of the cases. The collective  performance efficiency of the biogas plants was 97%, but when viewed from the overall size of biogas plant, efficiency dropped to 73% because of lesser feeding than required. Study findings also indicated that gas was sufficient in only 85% and that in order to meet the total demand the average feeding rate needed to be increased from the existing 25.45kg/plant/day to 32.59kg/plant/day. The general physical condition of 85% of the plants was good and all plants were functioning. The overall study outcome indicated that the existing biogas plants were functioning at a satisfactory level and affecting the users positively. The functional plants have also been found to serve as effective tools for the promotion and extension of the technology.

Based on the findings, thorough recommendations were designed for implementation. Some of them stated the need for effective post-construction services, training course design on effective composting, handling and application of slurry, placing quality as a prime concern of the biogas programme, etc. All recommendations, as well as detailed description of the findings can be found in the report.

This is a presentation of the general findings of the Biogas Users’ Survey – 2008. The presentation contains information on the following subjects:

•  Overview of biogas plants visited
•  Socio-economic data
•  Age of biogas plants and costs of installation
•  Information on feeding and gas production
•  Frequency of operational activities
•  Common problems reported
•  Sufficiency of gas
•  Functioning of biogas plants
•  Level of users’ satisfaction
•  Physical condition of plants and components
•  Use of fuel sources and saving
•  Time saving
•  IRR of 4 cum biogas plant
•  Benefits, demerits and recommendations by users

This study provides accurate assessment of the level of impact achieved by the Biogas Pilot Programme (BPP) in terms of health and sanitation, saving conventional energy sources, workload reduction, and soil fertility when bio-slurry is used as fertiliser.

Study findings indicated that people have a generally positive attitude towards biogas and they are aware of many of its advantages. Saving time and energy, and receiving a subsidy were seen as the main reasons for the installation. Further, 83% of users were fully satisfied with the plant, while the remaining were only partially satisfied because of its inability to meet their total demand. In terms of workload reduction, findings revealed that an average household saved 63minutes a day by using biogas. Saving of conventional energy sources (fuel wood, electricity, LPG, charcoal) is also an important positive impact of biogas, which has also brought financial benefits in terms of reduced or eliminated use of cooking fuels. As for bio-slurry, 47% of users rated slurry as effective as farm-yard manure (FYM), and another 47% saw it as better than FYM. In terms of health and sanitation, 36% of users reported an improvement of eye diseases which were present before the installation.

Based on the study findings, recommendations for future improvement were designed on five levels: alternative strategies to target the poorer households, feedstock supply, alternative promotion strategies, improvement of after-sales service, and biogas equipment package. All recommendations, as well as detailed description of the findings can be found in the report.

The Lao Biogas Pilot Project (BPP) was established in November 2006 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SNV and the Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF) inside the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The aim of the BPP is to establish a sustainable commercial market for the deployment of household biogas digester technology, resulting in the reduction of biomass resource depletion and a significant improvement in the quality of life of the families concerned.

An important part of the BPP’s monitoring plan is to conduct a survey of biogas users (BPP customers) once a year. This provides data on the level of impact that the program is having, and can also indicate trends and issues for management attention. Similar surveys are conducted by the SNV biogas programs in other countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia. This allows some benchmarking and learning opportunities. The first Biogas User Survey (BUS) in Laos was conducted in December 2007, the second survey was conducted in January 2009 and the third survey was conducted in June 2010.

The Lao Biogas Pilot Programme gives Lao farmers the possibility to purchase a biogas digester. So far a number of 787 digesters have been built since the start of the pilot programme in 2007. Domestic biogas digesters, built under the “Lao Biogas Pilot Programme”, are reducing greenhouse gases from four different sources and can be eligible for carbon financing.

This case study first presents the context of the programme after which it describes the opportunities and barriers (institutional, financial and technical) of developing small bio energy programmes like biogas with a carbon component and the roles that various stakeholders could play in the process in Laos. The study finishes with lessons learned and four key factors are identified as main drivers for a successful development of a carbon project:

• the availability of resources;
• a thorough feasibility assessment;
• good planning and timing and;
• stakeholder coordination.

The main objective of this assignment is to select the most suitable and appropriate digester type for the proposed Biogas Pilot Project in Lao PDR, to prepare quantity and cost estimation of the selected model, to develop training materials, and to formulate a training programme.

Based on the above mentioned criteria, the following models have been selected for in-depth analysis:
• Chinese fix-dome model being installed in Laos under Chinese grant aid
• Vietnam Model (KT2A) being disseminated by Biogas Programme supported by SNV
• Cambodian Farmer's Friend Model (Modification of Indian Farmer's Friend Model) being
disseminated by National Biodigester Programme, Cambodia supported by SNV
• Nepalese GGC Model being installed under the framework of BSP-Nepal supported by SNV
• Model constructed in Laos under the framework of Canada-Thailand Trilateral Environment Subproject popularly known as Lao-GTZ model.

The following factors have been considered for evaluating the biodigesters under the study, assuming that the suitability of any biodigester in a given context depends mainly upon these factors:
• Climatic and geo-physical parameters
• Technological Parameters
• Affordability of potential farmers to install biodigester
• Purpose of the use of the biodigester products
• Performance of existing models, if any, in the local and/or regional conditions
• Quality and quantity of available feeding materials.

The report contains an evaluation matrix, and concludes that the GGC model being disseminated under the Biogas Programme in Nepal is the most suitable plant model for mass dissemination in Lao PDR.

This factsheet contains information on SNV's improved cookstoves around the globe, as well as its partnership in the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, a public private initiative led by the UN Foundation.

SNV Lao PDR: Intervention strategy for the development of biofuels; analysis of opportunities and challenges from a smallholder point of view (2009)

This case analyses the role and involvement of SNV in the development of the biofuel value chain in Lao PDR. Biofuel is a new and innovative sector raising questions, uncertainties but also promises and guarantees as new source of energy. Impacts are focused on creating employment, diversifying income, and increasing production while providing safer and cleaner access to energy for rural communities.

The document is divided into two main parts: the first part describes the opportunities and provides background information in the Asian Region on biofuel market, biofuel policy and biofuel feedstocks while the second part illustrates the challenges through a business case approach for SNV intervention in Lao PDR and providing an intern Return on Investment. The business case on Jatropha tries to answer a simple question: Can biofuel generates incomes for rural communities, while preserving environment and contributes to SNV impact areas? Details and numbers regarding the business case are compiled.

This case argues that SNV could consider the biofuel value chain as a promising source of revenue, income and production for rural communities that could be linked to growing market demand in the country as well as in the region. SNV’s return on investment is positive even with present economic turmoil and conservative figures of projection. Yet, the investment plan for SNV must consider an inclusive business approach targeting policy, environment and social aspects to created an enabling environment for biofuel sustainable production and consumption.

SNV Lao PDR: Intervention strategy for the development of biofuels; analysis of opportunities and challenges from a smallholder point of view (2009)

This case analyses the role and involvement of SNV in the development of the biofuel value chain in Lao PDR. Biofuel is a new and innovative sector raising questions, uncertainties but also promises and guarantees as new source of energy. Impacts are focused on creating employment, diversifying income, and increasing production while providing safer and cleaner access to energy for rural communities.

The document is divided into two main parts: the first part describes the opportunities and provides background information in the Asian Region on biofuel market, biofuel policy and biofuel feedstocks while the second part illustrates the challenges through a business case approach for SNV intervention in Lao PDR and providing an intern Return on Investment. The business case on Jatropha tries to answer a simple question: Can biofuel generates incomes for rural communities, while preserving environment and contributes to SNV impact areas? Details and numbers regarding the business case are compiled.

This case argues that SNV could consider the biofuel value chain as a promising source of revenue, income and production for rural communities that could be linked to growing market demand in the country as well as in the region. SNV’s return on investment is positive even with present economic turmoil and conservative figures of projection. Yet, the investment plan for SNV must consider an inclusive business approach targeting policy, environment and social aspects to created an enabling environment for biofuel sustainable production and consumption.

The Government of Lao PDR has been investigating in recent years to develop the production and use of biofuels based on the premise of positive environmental and social impacts, notably the mitigation of climate change through greenhouse gas abatement, fossil fuel dependence reduction, security of energy supply and maintaining employment in the agricultural sector. To address these issues, The Lao Government has drafted a policy for biofuel development, committed to several researches and engaged in discussions with the private sector for investment in the biofuel sector.

SNV acknowledges that developing sustainable production and use of biofuels can have positive impacts on local level and thereby strengthening meso-level organisations. The leaflet provides a brief overview of SNV's possible position in facilitating the Lao government's energy policies and institutional frameworks. SNV's mission in sustainable biofuel development, goals, guidelines and approach, target clients, feedstock choices and focus area are all discussed. Contact information details are provided.

This study assesses the opportunity of providing finance to potential biogas users by linking banks with biogas constructors or Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), taking into account the infancy of the market and the current inexistence of biogas constructors. A household and a rural financial services survey were conducted in order to determine the plausibility of the project.

The household survey revealed that the majority of households have not heard about biogas, but after a brief explanation of the concept, 83% expressed strong interest in installing biogas if they first see an operating plant. Currently, 75% of households use firewood for fuel.

To determine the availability of financial services, their outreach and offered terms, a Rural Financial Services survey was conducted, where it was evident that although there was nothing explicitly noted in the banking law about banks making wholesale loans to MFIs, a reform of the Microfinance Regulation was underway with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). There were three financial institutions interested in becoming both a wholesaler and a retailer (Agricultural Promotion Bank-ABP; Fond de Cooperative-FC; Ekphattana Microfinance Institution-EMI), and two other financial institutions interested in becoming a retailer only (The Rural Development Cooperative-RDC; Seno Savings and Credit Union). It is important to note that although all these institutions expressed an interest, most of them had limited outreach. Suggestions to improve the link between microfinance and biogas, as well as specific recommendations related to potential biogas users and financial institutions are present in the report.

This study examines the important possibility of marketing biogas slurry as a value added product in Lao PDR.

The adoption of biogas digesters in the area has been slower than expected and the Biogas Promotion Project (BPP) expected more people to build digesters if aware for the market possibility for the waste product (slurry). The study area (Vientiane Capital Region) is an important agricultural zone with the production of rice, vegetables, fruit, by using organic and conventional farming methods. Although organic fertilisers such as manure, compost and crop residues were available, product markets were inefficient. Selling liquid slurry directly from the slurry pond was seen as a good option as it required little or no investment. The report discussed in detail the various advantages (e.g. slurry contains a full range of plant nutrients and micro-nutrients) and disadvantages (e.g. fresh slurry is bulky, and difficult to store, transport and apply compared to competing products such as chemical fertilisers) of biogas slurry with respect to its marketing potential.

As a most viable future action it was recommended that BPP focused on marketing liquid slurry as a specialty fertiliser for vegetable and fruit production. Further, organic vegetable firms were seen as the best target market for slurry sales because of their organisation into producer groups, followed by organic rice farmers and vegetable farmers also seen as an important market. According to the other extensive recommendations for future action, BPP should bring slurry sellers and potential buyers together to meet and exchange information.

The fifth meeting of network of experts was organised in Vientiane, Lao PDR, during the period April 3-4, 2008. This meeting of experts followed the internal Biogas/Renewable Energy Team Meeting of SNV Asia Region.

The overall objective of the meeting of the network of experts was to present and discuss possibilities for the improvements of the biogas appliances being used under the frameworks of different biogas programmes. The key question was: what are the major areas of enhancement of appliances to improve their efficiency, and what are the possible methods/mechanisms to do so?

This brief report summarises the purpose, schedule, presentations and outcome of discussions related to the fifth meeting of the SNV external biogas network.

Main activities of the meeting schedule included:
• Field visit to Vientiane Capital
• Presentation by Jeroen van Bruggen on carbon strategies for domestic biogas programmes
• Discussion, meeting and dinner with Lao biogas stakeholders and SNV/Lao PDR.
• Presentation by Dr. A.K. Kurchania, Professor and Head of the Department of Renewable Energy Sources, Udaipur, India, on the results and recommendations of the testing of biogas stoves and lamps by three institutes (Netherlands, China and India).
• Plenary discussion on the results and recommendations of the testing of biogas stoves and lamps by three institutes (Netherlands, China and India).

Group discussions, presentations and plenary discussion on functioning and possible improvement of biogas stove (including tap) and lamp, mixer device, dome gas pipe, main gas valve, water drain, pressure indicator and pipes & fittings.

To safeguard the quality of biodigesters, it is important that effective quality control mechanisms are formulated and enforced properly. The quality on construction, operation and maintenance of biodigesters has to be major concern. Supervisors have to play vital role in this regard.

The overall objective of TOT is to build capacity especially within STEA/TRI, to conduct quality training courses on construction and supervision of GGC model biodigesters, and to develop STEA/TRI as the national training institute for biodigester related technical training courses in Lao
PDR.

This trainer's guide for TOT for construction and supervision of biogas plant envisages helping the trainer / facilitators in imparting effective supervisors' training and preparing the participants as multi-skilled persons to supervise the installation and post-instillation operation and maintenance
services related to biodigester, provide back-stopping services to masons as well as promote the technology at the grass-roots level.

The document contains the following chapters:
• Background
• Training objectives
• Expected output
• Participants
• Training venue and duration
• Training contents
• Training events and process
• Programme overview
• Installation modality
• Training evaluation
• Closing ceremony
• Training schedule (session plan) – Phase 1 : theoretical training
• Activity schedule - Phase 2 (practical on-the-job exercise)
• Training plans
• Conclusion

After this, 27 sessions with objectives listed for each session, training methods, training aids, time
of training and steps to be taken, are described.

To safeguard the quality of biodigesters, it is important that effective quality control mechanisms are formulated and properly enforced. The quality of construction, operation and maintenance of biodigesters has to be of major concern, and supervisors have to play vital role in this regard.

The overall objective of training of trainers (TOT) is to build capacity especially within STEA/TRI to conduct quality training courses on construction and supervision of GGC model biodigesters, and to develop STEA/TRI as the national training institute for biodigester related technical training courses
in Lao PDR.

This is a trainee's manual for TOT for construction and supervision of a biogas plant. The manual envisages helping the participants in imparting effective technical training programmes and preparing them as multi-skilled persons to construct/supervise the construction of biodigester as
well as to promote the technology at the grassroots level. The following chapters can be found in the document:
• Introduction of training
• Introduction of biogas pilot programme
• Overview of biogas technology
• Overview on design and construction
• Biodigester size, construction site and construction materials
• Proper construction of biodigester
• Use of bio-slurry and composting
• Technology promotion and quality control
• Overview on operation and maintenance
• Roles of stakeholders, supervisors and masons
After this, 27 sessions with objectives listed for each session, training methods, training aids, time
of training and steps to be taken, are described.

The present Non Renewability Assessment has been conducted on behalf of SNV Laos and Terra Clear. Both organizations are developing carbon finance projects which will generate emissions reductions from the use of biomass. A rigorous, transparent and replicable figure for the fraction of Non Renewable Biomass (fNRB) is required for the projects to accrue carbon emissions.

The assessment ascertains the fNRB using methodologies that are compatible with both CDM and Voluntary Gold Standard accreditation. Whilst the CDM Methods can be applied to the Voluntary Gold Standard (GS), the GS Qualitative and Quantitative assessments cannot be used in the CDM.

This study examines the various aspects of an implementation plan prepared for launching a Biogas Pilot Programme (BPP) in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Feasibility studies have shown that the country has high technical potential for biogas, as a result of which BPP has been developed with the purpose of establishing biogas pilot activities to form the basis of a future larger scale biogas programme.

The study presents 10 essential components needed for the successful establishment of the programme. Promotion (component 1) would be at the head of the programme and would work on two levels to promote biogas itself and biogas as a technology. The financing component has three distinct aspects, namely Farmer Contributions, Credit and Subsidy. The construction/after-sales component’s function would be to facilitate the digesters construction through supporting biogas small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Quality management would serve to maximise the investment effectiveness. Training would ensure that all relevant parties possess the necessary skills for plants operation. The Extension component would disseminate the results of research and would facilitate development of demonstration activities. An important function of the institutional support component would be to support biogas related institutions - Implementing agency and Biogas Advisory Board. The Monitoring component would focus on three areas: monitoring of project implementation, quality control of digester construction, and maintenance and impact on users. As for Project management, The Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF) would be the executing partner.

All components, their purpose and objectives are explained in detail in the report.

Improved Cook Stove Project (ICS) has received financial support from Oxfam Novib and technical assistance (TA) from SNV Netherland Development Organization in Laos. ICS programme is under the management and implementation of Non-profit Association for Rural Mobilisation and Improvement (NORMAI).

The main objective of HFCT is to assess how much fuel efficient ICS is in comparison with traditional cook stoves. This is to assess and analyse fuel consumption when the stoves are used under common domestic day-to-day cooking conditions.