Biogas Project in Cambodia

Increasing access to a sustainable supply of clean energy.
biogas project in cambodia

This offset project invests in making biogas installations available in Cambodia, aiming to increase rural people’s access to a sustainable supply of clean energy. The initiative was established by Cambodia’s National Biodigester Programme, which is a collaboration between the local department of Forestries and Fisheries and SNV The Netherlands.

Project Details

In many rural parts of Cambodia, communities lack access to modern energy sources such as electricity and gas. As a result, households often rely on open wood fires for cooking, a practice that poses serious health risks, contributes to environmental degradation, and demands significant time and effort from families, particularly women and children.

Biogas systems offer a practical and sustainable solution. A typical household biogas installation can provide sufficient clean energy for daily cooking and basic lighting needs. On average, the system requires organic input from around two cows to generate enough biogas, offering a cost-effective, healthier, and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuels.

About the Project

This project brings clean, reliable energy to rural households in Cambodia by making biogas installations accessible and affordable. Installed directly on the recipient’s property by trained local builders, each system processes cow dung in an anaerobic digester to produce biogas. The resulting gas is piped into homes where it is used for cooking and lighting. The remaining by-product, known as bio-slurry, is a nutrient-rich organic fertiliser that enhances soil health. Some families have also connected biogas toilets to their systems, enabling the conversion of human waste into additional biogas, further improving hygiene and resource efficiency.

The initiative is led by the Hivos Foundation in collaboration with SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, under the National Biodigester Programme (NBP). Anthesis supports the project by providing technical expertise and contributing to its expansion through the purchase of Gold Standard-certified carbon credits.

In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the project stimulates local economies. Entrepreneurs are trained to build and maintain the biogas systems, creating employment opportunities and supporting the development of sustainable energy markets. This approach ensures that clean energy solutions continue to reach low-income households and small businesses across Cambodia.

Related Carbon Projects

Discover our Carbon Project Development Expertise and explore our Existing Carbon Projects.

1 10