16,000 biogas units to power rural homes; targets 1M tons CO₂ cut

NN Online :
A transformative clean energy project is underway in rural Bangladesh, aiming to install 16,000 biodigesters across flood-prone regions in a bid to improve health, reduce emissions, and support sustainable agriculture. Spearheaded by the Livelihoods Carbon Fund 3 (LCF3) in partnership with ATEC Global, the initiative promises to cut over 1 million tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions over 15 years.

In a country where 84% of rural households still rely on smoke-producing wood stoves, this large-scale biogas program is expected to be a game changer — especially for women and children, who suffer most from indoor air pollution and long hours of fuel collection.

“This project brings together climate action, gender equity, and support for rural communities,” said Eric Soubeiran, CEO of Livelihoods. “We’re backing a practical, locally developed solution that strengthens rural families and protects the planet.”

Healthier Homes, Stronger Farms

The ATEC-manufactured biodigesters convert organic cattle manure into clean cooking gas while producing up to 18 tons of organic fertilizer annually, offering dual benefits: safer kitchens and more productive farms. Each unit is built to withstand the challenges of flood-prone terrain and requires minimal maintenance — making it an ideal fit for rural households.

For families like Khadija’s, who lives in Gazipur with her two children, the change has been dramatic. Previously spending five hours a day cooking over a wood stove, she now cooks faster, in a smoke-free kitchen. “Her story reflects the thousands of families we work with every day,” said Shuvasish Bhowmick, Managing Director of ATEC Bangladesh.

“Our locally trained agents and community-first approach allow us to deploy solutions that are not only technically robust, but also deeply human-centered,” he added.

Boosting Rural Livelihoods and Climate Goals

Beyond environmental and health benefits, the project is creating over 1,000 local jobs by manufacturing and distributing the biodigesters within Bangladesh. The systems are subsidized by nearly 50% to ensure affordability for low-income families.

Deployment will be coordinated through grassroots NGOs and regional suppliers, targeting districts across Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, and Rajshahi.

Projected Long-Term Impact:

Over 2 hours saved daily per woman

80% reduction in indoor air pollution

$100+ in annual household savings

2 million tons of organic waste converted to fertilizer

1,019,000 tCO₂e avoided emissions (Gold Standard Certified)

About the Partners

Livelihoods Carbon Fund 3 (LCF3) is part of Livelihoods Venture, a social business dedicated to sustainable agriculture and climate action. Since 2009, it has planted 150 million trees and impacted over 2 million people globally through 42 projects. Learn more: livelihoods.eu

ATEC Global, founded in 2016, is a climate-tech enterprise delivering clean, affordable cooking solutions across Asia and Africa. Learn more: atecglobal.io