Environmental and socio-economic impact evaluation of renewable energy technologies solar and biogas in district Muzaffer Garh (T-1297) (MFN 4268)

Abstract

Energy scarcity is one of the main issue that hampers economic growth in developing countries like Pakistan. Renewable energy technologies such as solar and biogas are extensively engaged to address the energy deficit in many rural communities in Pakistan through consortiums of international organizations, donors and governmental departments. Five villages namely Basti Notki, Basti Sahara, Basti Hinjarahe, Basti Allah Wali and Kot Addu tehsil in district Muzzafer Garh were selected for the current investigation. A study carried out by WWF Pakistan Wetlands programme and UNDP Pakistan in 2010-2011, reported destruction of hundreds of villages by heavy floods in rural areas of Muzzafer Garh. These floods spoiled approximately 30% of the 48,500 acres of irrigated plantation, and almost 75 % of the forests. The floods also drifted about 80% of the fuel wood stock of village communities in the district, 60% of low electric transmission lines were affected as well. The objective of this research study was to evaluate environmental and socio-economic impacts of solar and biogas installations through WWF Pakistan in flood affected rural communities for domestic use. The study was carried out through structured survey, interviews and personal field visits. The study revealed positive successful cultural response and acceptance level at community level towards solar and biogas energy. All beneficiaries considered these technologies safer and clean while performing house chores. The biogas applications contributed towards an annual savings of 63,276 PKR per household. The data also elicited safeguarding 633 trees as fuel wood in a year using biogas. An estimated 18,250 kWh (electricity) were conserved through solar water pumps installed in the study area. The findings accounted 594.07 tons of carbon emissions reduction per annum. A reduction of 579.77 tons among these emissions was achieved due to fuel wood saving while using solar and biogas facilities and 14.3 tons of emissions were captured by trees. Each household spared approximately 4 hours in a day which were previously consumed to operate their mud stoves. Additionally the solar and biogas facilities posed very low health hazards to rural women’s and children by replacing the traditional fuel wood burning while performing their house chores.