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A joint study by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) assessed the feasibility of biogas technology in the Solomon Islands, identifying opportunities to transform organic waste, particularly pig slurry and other farm residues, into clean energy.

The study explored how anaerobic digestion could reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and unsustainable firewood consumption while improving waste management and climate resilience.

Tackling waste and energy challenges with biogas and waste-to-energy technologies

Like many small island developing states, the Solomon Islands faces growing waste management challenges. Organic waste, including manure, crop residues and municipal solid waste, contributes to environmental degradation and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The study found that manure management alone is a significant source of methane emissions, while inadequate waste disposal contributes to environmental degradation and public health concerns.

Biogas technology presents a sustainable solution by capturing methane emissions and converting them into energy. This not only provides a renewable energy source but also improves sanitation, reduces pollution risks and enhances energy security.

The study also examined the potential of waste-to-energy solutions, particularly the anaerobic digestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. With urban waste generation increasing, waste-to-energy technologies offer a dual benefit—reducing landfill waste while producing clean energy. This is particularly relevant for small island developing states, where waste disposal options are often limited, and reliance on imported fossil fuels is high.

Key findings from the study revealed that:

• Commercial pig farms have strong potential for biogas production due to the large volume of organic waste they generate.
• Municipal solid waste could be a valuable feedstock for biogas, reducing landfill pressure while contributing to clean energy production.
• Adopting anaerobic digesters could provide a cost-effective alternative to firewood and fossil fuels, potentially lowering energy costs for farmers.
• Improved waste and manure management could mitigate GHG emissions, reduce pollution risks to water and soil and enhance environmental sustainability.
• Capacity building and technical support are crucial, as past biogas projects in the Solomon Islands have faced challenges due to lack of maintenance and expertise.
• Policy and financial incentives are needed to encourage private sector investment in biogas and waste-to-energy solutions.

Advancing FAO’s climate and energy initiatives

This research aligns with FAO’s broader work on energy-smart agrifood systems, supporting the Scaling up Climate Ambition on Land Use and Agriculture (SCALA) programme.

The study provides key insights for integrating renewable energy into agriculture, helping reduce emissions and enhance resilience in line with the Solomon Islands’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and climate commitments.

By addressing both energy and environmental challenges, biogas technology could be a key in reducing dependence on unsustainable energy sources while promoting circular bioeconomy principles.

However, unlocking its full potential will require investment, supportive policies and sustained capacity building efforts.

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