This project aimed to improve the productive use of biogas from livestock waste in small and medium farms in central Mexico by demonstrating various applications of biogas and adapting off-the-shelf electric motors to run on biogas. It was implemented by IRRI Mexico (Instituto Internacional de Recursos Renovables AC), with support from technicians from IRRI’s spinoff organisation, Sistema Biobolsa. The Biobolsa (Biobag, in Spanish) is a modular biodigester system designed to be affordable, durable and easy to install and operate.
The industrial-scale and domestic biogas sectors are currently growing in Mexico; however, the use of biogas by small farmers in the agricultural sector is still limited. One key barrier to the use of biogas for productive activities is the lack of suitable small biogas motors on the Latin American market. To address this, the Sistema Biobolsa team developed and tested a range of small-scale gasoline motors capable of running on biogas, which this project demonstrated in the field.
Technology, Operations & Maintenance
The project comprised two main phases. In the first phase, four Biobolsa biodigesters, waste treatment systems and biogas use systems were installed at four medium-scale livestock farms (two pig farms and two dairy farms). During the design phase, baseline data was collected on the volumes of livestock and waste production at each farm, as well as on energy use and and opportunities for reusing nutrients as fertiliser. The biogas now being produced on these farms is used for space heating for pig maternity areas, for heating water for cleaning purposes, and as gas for cooking.
Delivery Model & Financial Management
WISONS funding provided an economic incentive to the farmers at demonstration sites, while co-funding came from the crowd-sourcing KIVA loan platform. The farmers must pay back the loans provided via the KIVA platform.
Environmental Issues
The main benefit of the project arose from replacing fossil fuel generated power (LPG, grid electricity and gasoline motors) by biogas generated electricity. However, there was also an emphasis on the pollution mitigation aspects of the technology. Some of the systems installed included water treatment systems for demonstrating the options available for treating the effluents from the biodigesters. A three-part model was tested, with a sedimentation phase, subsurface wetland phase and a surface lagoon with aquatic plants. Tests showed that this system enabled farms to meet national water quality discharge standards.Social Issues
During the project it was observed that although the farm managers appreciate the economic benefits arising from the fuel savings, the staff in charge of operating the motors do not always perceive this benefit. Comprehensive training and the implementation of procedures are required to better integrate the use of the motors into the daily farm routines. In addition to demonstrating the technology to farmers, this project sought to develop technical capacity with local motor distributors to convert, install, service and maintain these small biogas motors. The project used a variety of motor brands, including those that guaranteed the best quality and service in Mexico.Results & Impact

Replicability
This project is part of a wider effort by IRRI to increase biogas use in rural communities and in small and medium-scale farms in Mexico. Awareness-raising activities and practical demonstrations run by IRRI are coordinated in order to maximise the impact, and IRRI participates in knowledge exchange networks in the region and abroad. This particular business model, where access to credit is available and economic benefits are achieved in a relatively short time frame, has a high potential for replication in the region.Lessons Learned
A number of barriers to the adoption of the adapted motors were observed. For example, some farmers saw the biogas generator as a back up option for times without grid electricity. In some cases, it was found that farmers who were already using biodigesters prior to the installation of the biogas electric motors were accustomed to having access to the thermal energy and did not always administer the gas properly in order to have some excess for producing electricity. Matching energy production and energy demand was a further challenge. Improved load profiles for the farms are needed in order to identify the peak periods when power is required for milking, pumping and other uses.Projects with same technology
Exchange: Capacity-Building, Democratisation of Technology and Local Advocacy through the Ecuadorian Biodigester Network (RedBioEc)
This SEPS exchange aimed to develop a strong base of biodigester practitioners in Ecuador and to form linkages between actors with interest in the technology at local and national levels.
Exchange: Consolidating the Adoption of Small and Medium-Scale Biogas Technology by Livestock Farmers in Costa Rica
This exchange activity aims to implement a collaborative process seeking to (i) consolidate the use of biodigester technology in Costa Rica and (ii) accelerate the adoption of biogas solutions by small and medium-scale livestock farmers in the country.
Projects in same country
Efficient Lighting for the University of Mexico
To demonstrate that the improvement of lighting efficiency in universities / public buildings can lead to major electricity and cost savings