Vienna – The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) organized the Biogas Week from 12th to 15th of June 2023, consisting of an Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on the use of biogas, a workshop titled “Ignite the use of biogas towards the achievement of the Paris Climate Goals & SDGs: How to bridge institutional, technological, environmental and economic opportunities and challenges” as well as a series of site visits to biogas plants and composting systems.

The event kicked off with the EGM gathering experts from countries where UNIDO has implemented biogas projects funded by the Global Environment Facility, namely, Brazil, Kenya, Madagascar, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, and Türkiye. During the event, the participants exchanged knowledge and experiences managing biogas projects and shared challenges and best practices in the areas of capacity building and technology innovations, as well as in financial and policy considerations. On the second day, the Biogas Workshop focused on the role of biogas in identifying and advancing effective ways of achieving climate targets while also contributing to the broader Sustainable Development Goals.    

“UNIDO has a wealth of experience in designing and implementing biogas projects worldwide. We, as an institution, recognize the potential of biogas as a renewable energy source that not only contributes to sustainable development but also addresses socio-economic and environmental challenges”, said Tareq Emtairah, Director of Division of Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy at UNIDO.

The development of biogas projects can yield numerous benefits for both local communities and the environment. Firstly, biogas serves as a sustainable energy source, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. By capturing methane, a potent greenhouse gas released from organic waste, and converting it into biogas, these projects help combat climate change and contribute to achieving Net Zero targets. Additionally, biogas projects also provide economic opportunities by creating jobs and boosting local economic growth.

“We are looking at waste as an opportunity. We have huge unemployment among our young people -  well trained, but no jobs. This is an opportunity for UNIDO to come on board and work with us to support the development of regulations and of business models to increase employment opportunities for young people. We have a slogan at our Ministry “waste is wealth”, but we are yet to translate waste into income generation for our youth.” said Agnes Yobterik, Director of Special Programmes, Projects, and Strategic Initiatives, from Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Kenya.

By capitalizing on the benefits of biogas technologies and supporting biogas projects, communities can realize multiple positive outcomes, including environmental sustainability, economic growth, and improved livelihoods. UNIDO's involvement adds further momentum, enhancing the global reach and impact of these initiatives, and accelerating progress towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Please see presentations here

For more information, please contact:

Naoki Torii
Industrial Development Expert
Division of Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy
Climate Technologies Innovation Unit