Public outreach to support networking and knowledge exchange
BIOVARYA
A sustainable partnership between Kenya and Bavaria!
Our initiative focuses on the development potential of biogas technology in Kenya and builds a valuable connection with industry partners from Bavaria. Together, we generate mutual benefits and contribute to the establishment and promotion of green energy.
BIOgas · baVARia · kenYA
The BIOVARYA project aims to further expand biogas production in Kenya.
By building a network between Bavarian and Kenyan stakeholders in the biogas sector, the project seeks to enable mutual knowledge exchange. This transfer of knowledge is intended to strengthen the Kenyan biogas sector, create new local jobs, and encourage international cooperation and investment.
Biogas production · Kenya
Kenya has significant potential for biogas production. Despite efforts by the government, development partners, and non-governmental organizations, this potential has not yet been fully realized. Although biogas technologies were introduced in Kenya more than 50 years ago, their spread throughout the country has remained limited.
The slow adoption of biogas technology can be attributed to high installation costs, a lack of technical expertise for the installation, operation, and maintenance of biogas plants, and limited awareness among potential users and financial institutions.
Establishing a BIOgas network for BaVARia and KenYA
Networking & Collaboration · Information Events · Research Projects · Network Partners
BIOVARYA · PROJECT MILESTONES
08/2025
Research Stay in Kenya
In August, the German–Kenyan biogas network was further strengthened and expanded through Joshua Ngetuny’s ten-day research stay at TU-K. During his visit, not only were joint research projects for the future defined, but BIOVARYA partner companies in Kenya were also visited, deepening the collaboration between academia, research, and industry.
Further details on the outcomes and activities of the visit can be found in the full report here
07/2025
Change of Project Leadership
In summer 2025, an important leadership change took place in the BIOVARYA project: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wilfried Zörner retired, and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Goldbrunner took over the project management. With his extensive experience in energy systems technology and international cooperation, Prof. Goldbrunner ensures a seamless continuation of the project’s work.
BIOVARYA therefore remains in experienced hands and continues to successfully advance biogas cooperation between Bavaria and Kenya with continuity and new impulses.Read the full news article here
06/2025
Kenyan delegation visits Bavaria
In early June, a delegation from Kenya – including three entrepreneurs from the biogas sector – visited Ingolstadt to engage in intensive exchanges with Bavarian experts. The visit generated new ideas, offered exciting perspectives on the international biogas market, and led to concrete proposals for future collaborations.
A detailed report on the visit of the Kenyan delegation can be found here10/2024
BIOVARYA Project Launched
The future collaboration between the Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) and the University of Applied Sciences Ingolstadt (THI) was officially launched with a kick-off meeting. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Zörner and Dr. Bilha Eshton, who have previously worked together on joint projects, are now looking forward to collaborating within the framework of BIOVARYA and to strengthening the biogas sector through closer networking between Bavaria and Kenya.
Kick-Off-Meeting · Project partner
07/2024
Forwarding Contract Signed
The project partners – THI and TU-K – have signed a forwarding contract. This document defines the responsibilities of both universities throughout the project and allocates the budget. The agreement provides the foundation for a successful future collaboration and enables the effective implementation of the planned activities. We look forward to a productive and cooperative partnership in this pioneering initiative.
03/2024
Project Proposal Approved
The Bavarian State Chancellery has approved the project proposal submitted by the University of Applied Sciences Ingolstadt in cooperation with the Technical University of Kenya. As the name BIOVARYA – Establishing a BIOgas network for BaVARia and KenYA – indicates, the project aims to establish a biogas network between Bavaria and Kenya. Thanks to the funding provided by the Bavarian State Chancellery, the project can now move forward and take an important step toward promoting sustainable energy.
Team!
Team!
PROJECT PARTNERS · UNIVERSITY · BIOVARYA
THI · InES
University of Applied Sciences Ingolstadt· InES
The Institute of New Energy Systems (InES) is part of University of Applied Sciences Ingolstadt (THI) and plays an important role in the university’s internationalization strategy. Of particular note is the institute’s strong collaboration with African countries, which has been significantly advanced by InES: for more than 15 years, InES has carried out successful cooperation projects with local industry partners and universities across Africa.
In over sixteen completed or ongoing projects, InES works closely with a wide range of local and international industry partners, all active in the field of applied renewable energy technologies.
University of Applied Sciences Ingolstadt · THI
Institute of New Energy Systems (InES)
TU-K
Technical University of Kenya
The Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) is a renowned university that stands out for its recognition of the key role played by technologists in industrial production and offers corresponding bachelor’s degrees. With tailored programs for aspiring technologists, TU-K aims to bridge the gap between engineers and technicians, thereby contributing to Kenya’s industrial development.
Through its innovative educational approach, TU-K is committed to training a new generation of highly qualified professionals who can take on leading roles across various industries.
Technical University of Kenya · TU-K
Partner companies
Partner companies
PROJECT PARTNERS · INDUSTRY · BIOVARYA
BIOVARYA · Project partner
Your company could be represented here!
If you are interested in a collaboration or in becoming part of the BIOVARYA partner network, we look forward to hearing from you.
Optimizing Feedstock Selection for Sustainable Small-Scale Biogas Systems Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process
This paper demonstrates how a systematic evaluation of various agricultural residues—particularly cattle manure and straw—can significantly improve the supply security and sustainability of small biogas plants.
INSIGHTS · PROJECT UPDATES
BIOVARYA · NEWS
PROJECT NEWS · BIOVARYA
PROJECT NEWS · BIOVARYA
Research stay in Kenya strengthens collaboration
BIOVARYA project continues exchange with research visit to Kenya The BIOVARYA project reached an important milestone in August 2025 when Joshua Ngetuny completed a 10-day research visit to Kenya. This followed a successful one-week visit in early June 2025 by representatives of Kenyan biogas companies and researchers from the Technical University of Kenya (TU-K), a […]