Energy demand and biogas production in rural areas : A case study in the Raqayapampa community in Bolivia

Abstract: Improved access to energy can greatly improve living standards, and there are correlations between increased access to electricity and higher scores on both the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Educational Development Index (EDI). Increasing access to energy can also help decrease dependability on hazardous fuels and energy sources, such as firewood for cooking. Through all these implications, increased energy access also promotes the fulfilment of several of the UN:s 17 sustainable development goals. The majority of people lacking access to electricity in Bolivia live in rural areas, such as the Raqaypampa community which lies in the Cochabamba department and contains about 181 households, two schools and a health post. The main occupations in Raqaypampa are husbandry and agriculture. Agriculture often entails large amounts of residues that are left unused. These residues have a large unused potential as a sustainable energy source as they can be used to produce biogas. The biogas can be used to fuel a plant that provides electricity and heat. Excess biogas from the plant can be used for cooking. The aim of this report was to estimate the energy demand and the potential for biogas production in Raqaypampa, as well as to propose a polygeneration solution for the community. In order to acquire data on the electrical and heat energy demands in Raqaypampa and the potential for biogas production in the community, a field study was conducted as a cooperation between the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm and Universidad Mayor de San Simon in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Interviews were conducted with people in the Raqaypampa community who had insight inthe electrical equipment used at the schools and health post of the community. The data was fed into RAMP, a simulation tool for energy demand. The annual potential for biogas production in Raqaypampa was estimated at 866.3 MWh, with the sensitivity analysis revealing a higher estimate of 1321.6 MWh and a lower estimate of 411.1 MWh. The peak demand for electricity obtained from RAMP was slightly under 15 W. The peak demand for heating was estimated at 172.34 kW. The generator (engine) chosen for the proposed polygeneration plant, considering the available supply of biogas, had a maximum electrical output of 36.48 kW anda maximum heat power output of 50.28 kW. Thus, it would be able to cover the peak in electrical energy demand, but not in thermal energy demand.