Transforming an annoying weed into fuel: this is the innovative project of a Kenyan company.
Transforming an annoying weed into fuel: this is the innovative project of a Kenyan company specializing in energy technologies.
From seaweed to resource: this is the idea of Biogas International, a company that is using water hyacinth to produce biomass to power the stoves of homes.
The water hyacinth is a blessing in disguise
says Dominic Kahumbu, CEO of Biogas International,
The Water Hyacinth damages the biodiversity of Lake Victoria - located between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania - and allows bacteria and mosquitoes to thrive, thus putting the health of local communities at risk. The company then found a way to transform this annoying plant into biomass that can provide energy to homes.
The project, which has so far provided 50 "digesters" to homes in the city of Kisumu in western Kenya, allows families to stop using coal-fired wood at home, both of which are dangerous, according to the World Health Organization.
The devices designed by Biogas International use 2-3 kg of water hyacinth collected from the lake to power a stove capable of preparing a meal based on corn and beans in about four hours.
The company is also testing two larger versions to produce clean fuel on an industrial scale.
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- How to change the world by sowing and planting trees
