A workshop was held recently by a gas engine research team of the Da Nang University with support of Toyota Motor Vietnam (TMV) through the Go Green Program to assess the results of the implementation of the second stage of the project titled “Small-scaled Electricity Production from Biogas” in some provinces of central Vietnam.

Under this project, in 2008-2009, 25 power generators using biogas were installed in five provinces in northern and central Vietnam with total expenditure of VND353 million. In 2009-2010, the project is carried on with the installation of an additional 500 power generators of this type nationwide. Total expenditure for installation in 2009-2010 is VND500 million, half of which is granted by TMV.

“Small-scaled Electricity Production from Biogas” is the theme of a scientific research project carried out by Professor, Dr.Sc Bui Van Ga, the former director of the University of Da Nang, now the Deputy Minister of Education and Training. Based on the research results, Professor, Dr.Sc Bui Van Ga and his colleagues at the University of Da Nang have successfully manufactured GATEC accessories for diesel engines to use biogas (a kind of clean fuel) instead of petrol/oil. Professor, Dr.Sc Bui Van Ga said that petroleum resources in the world are becoming exhausted and the production cost is growing.

Scientists estimate that the output of electricity production from biogas can be 20 times higher than the output of hydro-power production, but in fact, biogas resources are still underused. They hope that in the future if more attention is paid to applying different technologies to produce biogas for power generation or other purposes. This kind of fuel can replace petroleum and helps people save energy and reduce the production cost. It is also harmless to the environment.

The use of biogas power generators ensures a sufficient supply of electricity for farmers. Many farms have saved tens of millions of dong each month. Several dozens of farms and agricultural production facilities in provinces such as Thanh Hoa, Quang Binh, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Khanh Hoa and Ba Ria - Vung Tau have successfully applied this model of power production. Following the second stage of the project, the University of Da Nang and Toyota Motor Vietnam are expanding it in order to popularize the use of biogas to run small-sized power generators in rural Vietnam.

By Hai Ha