Forward7, Sistema.bio Bring Biogas Technology To Nepal and Indonesia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Forward7 Initiative collaborates with Sistema.bio, a global social enterprise known for its biogas technology. Together they have launched an initiative to provide subsidized biodigesters to small farm holders in Nepal and Indonesia.  Forward7 previously known as the Kingdom’s Clean Fuel Solutions for Cooking, project aims to install 800 biogas units across these countries in addition to facilitate an entry to Sistema.bio. This new collaboration aims to provide future services in Indonesia and Nepal in collaboration with PT. Biru Karbon Nusantara (BKN) and the Nepal Biogas Promotion Association as the key implementation partners. Scheduled to conclude in January 2025, this initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing clean energy access for smallholder dairy farmers.

Forward7, supported by the Middle East Green Initiative, aims to transform the lives of rural communities by providing access to clean cooking solutions that improve health, empower women, uplift marginalized groups, and protect the environment by reducing CO2 emissions caused by using traditional cooking methods such as wood and coal. The project will also drive economic growth, create jobs, and develop infrastructure in rural areas. By scaling up international cooperation, it seeks to prevent and mitigate the impacts of climate change, while supporting a sustainable future. Forward7, is committed to providing 750 million people with clean cooking solutions, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7.

This partnership will establish a robust project management strategy that includes proactively identifying potential risks such as import and clearance challenges, installation quality control, end-user adaptation, and product affordability. While addressing the high non-functionality rate of existing biogas systems, the project will also address the challenges associated with biogas technology through targeted marketing and awareness campaigns. Realistic and achievable goals are set based on Sistema.bio’s extensive experience and thorough market research, incorporating feedback from local organizations. Resources are strategically allocated to essential tasks like farmer communication, digester installation, and maintenance training, leveraging 14 years of global experience and established local networks. Clear procedures for managing project changes ensure effective decision-making and adaptability, with regular bi-weekly updates, comprehensive midterm evaluations, and ongoing support from a dedicated team of experts. Advanced data collection tools such as Salesforce and TaroWorks will monitor progress and track targets, with regular audit visits ensuring the initiative stays on course for successful completion by January 2025.

Under this initiative, biogas plants ranging from 2 cubic meters to 40 cubic meters will be installed across key regions in Indonesia and Nepal. These biogas plants will enable farmers to efficiently convert organic waste into clean energy, significantly reducing their dependence on traditional cooking fuels. In addition to providing access to clean energy, the project promotes effective cattle waste management practices. The biogas plants also produce biofertilizer as a by-product, which serves as an organic alternative to chemical fertilizers, helping farmers save costs and improve soil quality.