About this region

Bangladesh, a nation grappling with energy poverty, environmental degradation, and climate vulnerabilities, has turned to biogas technology as a transformative solution. In the agriculturally rich regions of Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions, biogas plants are emerging as a beacon of sustainable development, addressing energy needs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and uplifting rural livelihoods. These regions, characterized by dense livestock populations and agrarian economies, are uniquely positioned to harness biogas potential, turning organic waste into clean energy and fostering socio-economic resilience.

Biogas in Rangpur Division: Powering Rural Prosperity

Rangpur, a division renowned for its dairy farming and crop production, generates vast quantities of organic waste from cattle, poultry, and agricultural residues. Biogas plants here convert this waste into methane-rich gas, providing households with a clean, renewable energy source for cooking and lighting. For rural families, this shift replaces traditional biomass fuels like firewood and dung cakes, which contribute to deforestation and indoor air pollution—a leading cause of respiratory diseases among women and children.

The economic impact is profound. A single small-scale biogas plant (e.g., 4 cubic meters) can save a household 2–3 hours daily otherwise spent collecting fuel, freeing time for income-generating activities. Farmers utilize bio-slurry, a nutrient-rich byproduct of biogas production, as organic fertilizer, reducing dependency on chemical alternatives. This not only cuts farming costs but also enhances soil health, boosting yields of staples like rice and potatoes. In regions like Kurigram and Gaibandha, where poverty rates are high, biogas initiatives have enabled families to redirect savings toward education and healthcare.

Moreover, Rangpur’s biogas projects align with climate action. Livestock manure, if left untreated, releases methane—a potent greenhouse gas. By capturing methane for energy, these plants mitigate emissions. For instance, a typical plant reduces 5–6 tons of CO2-equivalent emissions annually. This positions rural communities to participate in carbon credit markets, generating additional income. NGOs like BRAC and government programs under the Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) have installed over 5,000 biogas plants in Rangpur, creating green jobs and fostering local entrepreneurship.

Biogas in Rajshahi Division: Combating Drought and Deforestation

Rajshahi, a division prone to droughts and water scarcity, faces unique challenges. Here, biogas technology addresses both energy poverty and environmental stress. The region’s mango orchards, livestock farms, and rice fields produce abundant organic waste, which biogas plants convert into energy. For communities in Barind Tract—a drought-prone area—biogas reduces reliance on firewood, curbing deforestation and soil erosion.

In Rajshahi’s arid landscapes, bio-slurry plays a critical role in water conservation. When applied to fields, it improves soil moisture retention, a lifeline for farmers battling erratic rainfall. Villages in Naogaon and Chapai Nawabganj report increased crop resilience and reduced irrigation costs due to this organic amendment. Additionally, biogas provides a steady energy supply for irrigation pumps, mitigating the energy deficit that plagues off-grid areas.

Socially, biogas empowers women by reducing their domestic burdens. In Rajshahi’s patriarchal society, women traditionally collect firewood and cook in smoke-filled kitchens. Biogas plants alleviate these tasks, improving health outcomes and enabling women to engage in cottage industries like handicrafts or poultry farming.

Despite progress, barriers persist. High upfront costs (≈500–500–700 per plant) deter low-income households, though microfinance and subsidies have eased this burden. Technical knowledge gaps and maintenance issues occasionally hinder efficiency, necessitating robust training programs. Additionally, fluctuating livestock populations—critical for feedstock—require adaptive solutions, such as integrating crop residues into biogas systems.

Biogas plants in Rangpur and Rajshahi epitomize the synergy between environmental stewardship and human development. By converting waste into wealth, they mitigate climate change, empower marginalized communities, and fortify food and energy security. As Bangladesh strives to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate commitments, scaling biogas technology in these regions offers a replicable model for rural transformation. With continued investment and innovation, Rangpur and Rajshahi can illuminate a path toward a greener, more equitable future—one where sustainability and prosperity go hand in hand.