Biogas
Clean Energy
Fuelling Rural Sustainability through Clean Energy
Enabling Biogas in Rural Households with National Dairy Development Board
2,100
Biogas Units5
States
Introduction
For rural households, access to clean cooking fuel is closely linked to health, environmental sustainability and quality of life. In many villages, dependence on traditional fuels such as firewood not only contributes to indoor air pollution but also increases pressure on local forests and biodiversity.
Recognising the need for a sustainable and environment-friendly alternative, we partnered with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to promote household-level biogas systems across rural communities. By converting cattle waste into clean energy, the initiative aims to improve community well-being while reducing dependence on conventional fuels and natural resources.
Our Intervention
The initiative is being implemented across 20 districts in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, with the installation of over 2,100 biogas units at individual households. The programme encompasses the complete lifecycle of the intervention, including pre-installation assessments, installation, testing and continuous monitoring to ensure long-term functionality and adoption.
Designed as a decentralised and sustainable energy solution, the biogas units utilise locally available cattle dung to generate clean cooking fuel for households. In addition to providing a reliable source of energy, the systems also produce organic slurry that can be used as bio-fertiliser, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and supporting circular resource use within rural communities.
Impact
The intervention is enabling rural households to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable cooking practices, improving health outcomes and reducing household expenditure on conventional fuels. Access to clean energy is also reducing the dependence on firewood, thereby helping conserve forests and easing pressure on surrounding ecosystems.
Beyond clean energy, the initiative is strengthening the rural circular economy by converting animal waste into valuable bio-fertiliser, enhancing soil health and supporting sustainable agriculture. By integrating environmental conservation with community well-being, the programme is fostering healthier households, resilient livelihoods and a more sustainable future for rural communities.
