Dear Ms Lylian Rodriguez,

With reference to your email dated Mon, 3 April 2000, we would like to reply your five questions in brief as follows:
 

>1. Are biodigesters widely use in Nepal? If yes, What is the systems most
>used and why?

Biodigesters are widely used in Nepal. Presently there are more than 60,000 units of family size biogas plants established in the Kingdom of Nepal.The most popular design of biogas plants presently used in Nepal is a modification of Chinese dome design called GGC-Model Biogas plant.

>2. What would be the size of a digester for a family of 5-8 people?

Generally 8 m3 size of biodigester is considerd to be the most suitable size for a family of 5 to 6 people.

>3. How much is the cost of a digester for a family of 5-8 people?

Presently, a 8 m3 biogas plant will cost about US $ 350.

>4. Do farmers pay the digesters? or Do farmers get any subsidy?

For biogas installation, the government provides subsidy which meets about 40 to 50 percent cost of the installation. The farmers are also provided bank loan for biogas installation.

>5. Is there any institution in Nepal in charge of promoting biodigesters?

There is a government institution named Alternative Energy Promotion Centre under the Ministry of Science and Technology to oversee biogas programme in Nepal. As a main donor, the Biogas Support Programme established under the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV/Nepal) is quite active since 1992.

You are most welcome to ask us any questions regarding the biogas programme in Nepal.

Best Regards
Amrit & Upendra