Adam Sauer (Electrical Engineering) and Natalie McClaine (Environmental Sciences) continued work began in 2011, and expanded in 2012 by Adam and local electrician Augustine Yeboah, to explore the use of “biogas” –naturally occurring methane gas created through decomposing food scraps, animal and human waste, among other organic products— as an alternative cooking fuel source for homes in the district. The biogas team sought to source local materials and to improve designs to increase cost effectiveness. After realizing the difficulties of many subsistence farmers to (1) make the initial investment for the necessary materials, and (2) to properly maintain the correct chemical and bacterial levels in small scale digesters, Adam and Natalie recommend that a larger biogas facility operated by a trained team would be the best option for sustainable development, and have found several organizations in-country that are currently working on similar goals.
Check out a video Adam made about Ghana Sustainable Change and the Biogas Project here