Ha Noi (VNA) – Since farmer Le Van Ngoc in Phuc Triu commune, in Thai Nguyen province, built a biogas plant in 2004, he has saved enough money to install a septic tank and water heater.
“My family’s life has become better,” the farmer said.
The plant collects waste material and produce gas which can be used for power. It also provides a valuable organic fertilizer.
The Biogas Programme for Animal Husbandry Sector, currently in its second phase, started in 2003 under the cooperation between the Vietnamese and Netherlands governments. It was implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry of Viet Nam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development with technical assistance from the Netherlands Development Organisation SNV.
The Netherlands is giving 3.7 million Euros to the 2007-2010 second phase of the project, according to the department. The country donated over 2.2 million Euros to the first phase of 2003-2006.
In mid-April, Vietnam’s Biogas Program for Animal Husbandry Sector topped 700 other projects to win the prestigious Energy Globe Award, sponsored by the United Nations and several leading European energy organizations. It is the most acknowledged award in the field of energy and environment worldwide.
So far, over 27,000 domestic biogas plants have been constructed in 24 cities and provinces nationwide, benefiting more than 100,000 people.
According to the Department of Animal Husbandry, a biogas plant saves 2.3 tonnes of firewood per year and generates 30 tonnes of high-quality bio-slurry to fertilise crop plants.
It has not only helped farmers improve their standard of living but also contributed to a greener environment and reduced deforestation for firewood.
And the goalposts have not stopped there. The project has set a target of building 167,000 biogas plants in 50 cities and provinces nationwide, helping reduce 420,000 tonnes of CO2, save 200,000 tonnes of firewood and generate jobs for at least 2,500 local people.
The project has also targeted to build areas of animal breeding and application of biogas plants in southern Viet Nam.-Enditem
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