DiBiCoo project to assist African biogas sector growth

The millions of tons of organic waste on the continent could become a valuable and viable source of green energy by turning it into biogas, and at the same time, reducing the carbon footprint and environmental and climate impacts of conventional coal-fired electricity.

* Biogas is the mixture of gases produced by the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen (anaerobically), primarily consisting of methane and carbon dioxide. Biogas can be produced from raw materials such as agricultural waste, manure, municipal waste, plant material, sewage or food waste. – Wikipedia

Just in South Africa alone, according to the government’s 2020 State of Waste Report, the country generated approximately 55.6 million tons of waste in 2017, of which just more than a third was organic. South Africa’s National Waste Management Strategy aims to have 40% of biogas produced from organic waste by 2025, this strategy and regulatory framework is expected to be finalised in this year.

Many local government structures, municipalities and businesses have expressed interest in waste-to-energy technologies and information on how to set up such plants, as there is an increasing need to secure and reduce their energy demand, be more water efficient and reduce their waste stream, particularly as the space for landfills is drying up. Biogas and biomethane technologies could be one way for them to address these needs.

EU’s DiBiCoo project to share know-how
GreenCape is presenting a workshop with practical information and advice on Tuesday, 29 June 2021, at 09h00 SAST. As the South African implementing part for the EU H2020 research and innovation funded DiBiCoo project (Digital Global Biogas Cooperation). GreenCape is facilitating cooperation between stakeholders in Europe who are eager to share their waste-to-energy know-how and technologies with developing and emerging countries. In the European Union, biogas plants already have an installed electric capacity of 11 GW, with Germany leading the sector worldwide.

On the African continent, South Africa, Ghana and Ethiopia have been selected to be part of this project as these countries have a high market potential for biogas projects, along with the potential to develop favourable regulatory environment and support schemes. The aim of the DiBiCoo project is not only to share information on available European technologies, but also on the framework conditions, market opportunities, research needs, financing opportunities and potential ideas for projects.

GreenCape will also assist in developing digital support tools for capacity building, networking and dissemination of online information to facilitate technology exports and act as a database for interested stakeholders.

The programme for the upcoming Digital Global Biogas Cooperation workshop will include the following biogas industry experts:

DiBiCoo overview:
Ann-Kathrin van Laere, DiBiCoo Project manager, GIZ* 
South African biogas context:
Alberto Borrello, Secretary General, South African Biogas Industry Association 
South African biogas market barriers: 
Yaseen Salie, bio-energy analyst, GreenCape

*GIZ supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development.

Breakaway sessions facilitated by:
- Dwight Rosslee, director, Selectra 
- Mandisa Mkhize renewable energy sector desk, GreenCape
- Tawanda Sango, circular economy analyst, GreenCape

The workshop culminates in:

DiBiCoo online platform presentation: 
Aleksejs Zacepins, scientific project manager, DiBiCoo Project at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies 
Plenary discussion on breakaway sessions with Q&A session:
Facilitated by Jack Radmore, energy programme manager, GreenCape

Attendees will be able to interact with the presenters during the live session to gain a better understanding of the biogas market landscape and provide feedback and insight on their own experiences related to the content presented.

DiBiCoo workshops dates, times and registration:
Tuesday, 29 June 2021:
07h00—10h00 GMT | 08h00 to 11h00 London | 08h00 to 11h00 Lagos | 09h00 to 12h00 Johannesburg | 10h00 to 13h00 Ethiopia | 07h00 to 10h00 Ghana

Wednesday, 20 October 2021:
07h00—10h00 GMT | 08h00 to 11h00 London | 08h00 to 11h00 Lagos | 09h00 to 12h00 Johannesburg | 10h00 to 13h00 Ethiopia | 07h00 to 10h00 Ghana

The workshop will be broadcast live on the leading energy industry digital platform, Enlit Africa-Connect. TO REGISTER FOR FREE, click here.

Enlit Africa Enlit Africa-Connect is the 24/7 digital platform of the leading Cape Town-based power and energy conference and exhibition, Enlit Africa, the new brand of African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa, which served the energy sector on the continent for more than 20 years. The event has had three very successful, interactive digital editions in the last 18 months, most recently from 8–10 June 2021, gathering more than 1500 power professionals for three days of debate, training and sharing. All the sessions are still available to watch or listen to on demand on the Enlit Africa-Connect platform platform.

Enlit Africa is organised by Clarion Events Africa, a multi-award-winning Cape Town-based exhibition and conference producer across the continent in the infrastructure, energy and mining sectors. Other well-known events include Nigeria Mining Week, Africa Mining Forum and DRC Mining Week.

ESI Africa, the continent’s authoritative voice in power and energy news, is the official host publication.

GreenCape was established in 2010 to support the growth of the green economy in the Western Cape.

The DiBiCoo project has received funding from the European Union´s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement N° 857804. The sole responsibility for the content of these workshops lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the EU.

Media contacts:
Enlit Africa:
Annemarie Roodbol
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

GreenCape:
Senior Communications Officer: Nicholas Fordyce
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