Australia spreads bioenergy model in pig farming

With a project to convert biogas into renewable electricity, Australia has helped pig farms reduce energy costs by up to 25% while contributing to environmental protection.

Since 2016, the Australian Government has invested AUD 9.4 million through the Business Partnership Platform (BPP) in Vietnam, focusing on climate action, sustainable carbon markets, and inclusive livelihoods, particularly for women and people with disabilities.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Quynh Huong, Project Manager, SNV Netherlands Development Organization, said the ESC model helps farm owners minimize financial risks while ensuring quality and operational services. Photo: Phuong Linh.

These collaborative projects are implemented across three thematic rounds: Green Recovery, Carbon Markets, and Climate Adaptation. Under the Green Recovery round, the “Bioenergy on Livestock Farms” project has supported pig farms across Vietnam to convert surplus biogas into affordable renewable electricity since 2021.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Quynh Huong, Project Manager, SNV Netherlands Development Organization, this initiative stands out with the application of the ESC (Energy Service Company) model - a model of renting generators instead of selling them outright.

“The idea comes from the fact that over 10 years of implementing the National Biogas Program, many farms have invested in generators but the quality is low, they break down quickly, leading to loss of trust. With the ESC model, partners (such as E-GREEN, Chinh Phat) will invest in generators and install them at farms that already have a waste treatment system using biogas technology. The farm will not have to spend initial capital to buy the machine, but only need to pay for electricity generated from biogas. This helps farm owners minimize financial risks, while ensuring quality and reputable operation and maintenance services from the supplier,” she shared.

Mr. Tong Xuan Chinh, Director of Chinh Phat Company, assessed: By collecting and converting biogas into electricity, farms can replace up to 60-70% of the electricity purchased from EVN. Biogas electricity prices are always lower than grid electricity during peak and average hours, helping to save about 30% of monthly electricity costs.

The biogas generator will make full use of the abundant biogas source from pig manure to convert into electricity. Photo: Phuong Linh.

“Environmentally, this model has a double impact. Biogas, whose main components are methane (CH4) and CO2, was previously burned or discharged directly into the environment. Using this gas to produce electricity, especially burning it in a generator combustion chamber at very high temperatures (1800-2000 degrees Celsius), helps decompose carbon better than conventional burning, thereby significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In parallel, the initiative also develops a carbon credit component, registered according to the Gold Standard. The project has completed the documents and been approved, creating additional potential revenue sources," said Mr. Chinh.

After three years of implementation, the project has proven its effectiveness and attracted great interest from farms. To date, the project has installed 120 bio-generators on 98 farms in 24 provinces, processing more than 3.2 million tons of manure per year and generating more than 16,800 MWh of clean electricity.

In addition to its environmental and energy contributions, BFF has also created more than 500 jobs, including a new generation of biogas technicians and operators. The project has achieved Gold Standard Design Certification, becoming the first livestock biogas carbon credit model in Vietnam using hardware to convert biogas into energy.

More importantly, the project also promotes cooperation between businesses and universities, such as the University of Science and Technology, in improving technology, improving voltage quality and developing digital solutions for remote control of operations. Some businesses are combining biogas with solar and wind power to build an integrated renewable energy model, aiming to transfer technology and expand to markets such as Laos, Cambodia and some other Southeast Asian countries.

“The BPP ‘Bioenergy on Livestock Farms’ project is one of the many ways Australia is supporting Vietnam’s green energy transition and more sustainable agriculture ,” said Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird. “We are delighted that this partnership is helping to reduce emissions and energy costs, as well as creating new jobs and income sources for farmers.”

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/australia-lan-toa-mo-hinh-nang-luong-bi-hoc-trong-chan-nuoi-lon-d787038.html