China Household Biogas Project
Reducing indoor air pollution and fossil fuel use through household biogas digesters
The China Household Biogas Project mitigates climate change and improves public health by installing biogas digesters for household cooking. By capturing methane from cattle manure and reducing firewood and fossil fuel consumption, the project delivers significant environmental, social, and economic benefits for rural communities.
The initiative targets inefficient cooking practices that contribute to indoor air pollution, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. Households benefit from cleaner, safer cooking, while women and children experience reduced exposure to smoke and less time spent collecting fuel, contributing to improved health, well-being, and livelihoods.
Location: China
Project type: Reduction ā Biogas
Project impacts
Climate & environment
- Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through:
- Avoided deforestation due to reduced firewood demand
- Efficient combustion of firewood, reducing COā emissions
- Anaerobic treatment of manure, capturing methane for cooking (SDG 13 ā Climate Action)
- Decreased reliance on fossil fuels and traditional biomass for household energy (SDG 7 ā Affordable and Clean Energy)
- Contribution to climate change mitigation by transforming a waste stream into clean energy
Social & economic
- Improved indoor air quality, reducing smoke-related health risks for women and children (SDG 3 ā Good Health and Wellbeing)
- Reduced time and effort spent gathering firewood, especially for women, enabling more opportunities for education, income generation, and community engagement (SDG 5 ā Gender Equality)
- Promotion of sustainable household energy solutions, supporting rural development and energy efficiency (SDG 15 ā Life on Land)
This project contributes to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, delivering measurable environmental and social outcomes.
Project details
The project installs household biogas digesters that convert cattle manure into usable methane for cooking, treating the waste anaerobically. Methane emissions, which would otherwise escape into the atmosphere, are captured and utilised, while firewood consumption is substantially reduced.
This approach delivers a triple benefit: reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved health and safety, and socio-economic empowerment, particularly for women in rural communities. By combining environmental sustainability with practical community benefits, the project provides a scalable model for clean household energy in China.
Collaborations
The project is implemented in partnership with local organisations and communities to ensure effective installation, operation, and maintenance of biogas digesters. Carbon finance supports the distribution of digesters to households most in need, guaranteeing measurable emissions reductions and community impact.
The initiative is Gold Standard certified, providing independent assurance of emissions reductions, monitoring, and social co-benefits.
Quality criteria
- Gold Standard certification ensures high-integrity carbon accounting and social co-benefits
- Clear additionality through the installation of household biogas digesters
- Robust monitoring, reporting, and verification of emissions reductions
- Tangible health, environmental, and socio-economic impacts
- Supports gender equality by reducing womenās daily labour and exposure to indoor air pollution
- Scalable model for rural clean energy transition
All Anthesis-supported carbon removal projects undergo independent verification to confirm permanent carbon storage and measurable environmental benefits. Projects must demonstrate alignment with UN SDGs 12, 13, and 15, promote soil and ecosystem health, and deliver robust climate and nature outcomes.
Through rigorous auditing, monitoring, and adherence to international standards, Anthesis ensures all projects provide credible, lasting impact for both climate and local communities.
Project facts
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