Irshad-ul-Haq, a 44-year-old resident of Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has found a sustainable solution to meet his energy needs, setting an example for rural households struggling with the unavailability of natural gas. Previously reliant on wood for fuel, he has adopted an environmentally friendly and innovative method of producing biogas from livestock waste.
Irshad collects livestock waste daily and mixes it with water to create a slurry. This mixture is transferred through pipes into a biogas container, where methane gas is produced within a few days. The gas is then used for cooking and other household needs. By filling the biogas container twice daily, Irshad ensures a consistent energy supply for his family.
Methane gas, the primary component of biogas, is generated through anaerobic digestion. According to Abdul Basit, a research scholar from Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, this process involves decomposing organic matter, such as livestock waste, in an oxygen-free environment. Bacteria break down the waste, producing 60-70% methane, along with carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Methane is used as an energy source, while the residual material serves as a natural fertiliser for agriculture.
Agriculture, a major contributor to methane emissions, accounts for 22.7% of Pakistan's GDP, with livestock playing a critical role in the economy.
In another part of the country, Nizamuddin from Malakand district faced a shortage of gas and fertilisers. After watching a YouTube video about biogas plants, he installed a small plant at home with the help of local experts. By using livestock waste daily, he not only reduced cooking costs but also used the byproduct as organic fertiliser for his fields. Within months, he saw an increase in crop yields and soil fertility, proving to be a dual success for him with affordable gas and quality fertiliser.
Irshad ul-Haq's biogas project underscores the potential of grassroots solutions to meet Pakistan’s energy needs while reducing methane emissions
While biogas offers a viable solution for rural energy needs, methane gas presents a significant challenge in the fight against climate change. Methane is far more potent than carbon dioxide, absorbing heat 23 times more efficiently. Despite its relatively short atmospheric lifespan of around 12 years, its impact during this period is substantial. According to the United Nations Environment Program, human activities, such as agriculture, waste management, and fossil fuel extraction, have significantly increased methane emissions in recent years.
Dr. Muhammad Nafees, Chair of the Department of Environmental Sciences at Peshawar University, highlights methane's significant contribution to global warming. While most climate action focuses on carbon dioxide, methane is responsible for 30% of climate change impacts. Its emissions disrupt rainfall patterns by halting the breakdown of water vapor, exacerbating the climate crisis.
Globally, efforts to reduce methane emissions are gaining traction. At the COP26 climate summit in 2021, Pakistan pledged to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030. Countries like Canada have set even more ambitious targets, aiming for a 70% reduction by 2050. Dr. Nafees notes that a 45% reduction in methane emissions could lower global temperatures by 0.3 degrees Celsius, aiding in achieving the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
In Pakistan, methane emissions primarily stem from agriculture, livestock, and natural gas systems. Enhancing gas distribution infrastructure, transitioning to solar energy, and promoting hybrid vehicles can help mitigate emissions. Additionally, educating farmers about effective fertiliser use and modifying livestock diets can play a crucial role.
In Mardan district, the Assistant Manager for Solid Waste Management, Muhammad Ishaq, highlighted an innovative initiative. For the first time in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a company has introduced an integrated system to convert waste into organic fertiliser. The plant processes five tons of waste daily, though Mardan produces over 180 tons of waste per day. This initiative has been lauded for reducing the burden on dumping sites and keeping the environment clean.
Irshad-ul-Haq’s biogas project underscores the potential of grassroots solutions to meet Pakistan’s energy needs while reducing methane emissions. His success showcases the benefits of renewable energy and emphasises the urgent need to adopt sustainable practices to tackle climate change challenges. As Pakistan confronts the impacts of climate change, such innovations pave the way for a cleaner, greener future.