Biogas for Sustainable Energy Solutions in Kenya

AGENDA

We welcome you to the BIOVARYA Biogas Conference on the 16th of June at the Technical University of Kenya! Please find an overview of the agenda below.

Der Beitrag BIOVARYA Biogas Conference: Biogas for Sustainable Energy Solutions in Kenya erschien zuerst auf p166094.

Between April 18 and May 2, 2026, Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) researcher Joshua Ngetuny completed the second official BIOVARYA research stay in Kenya. This intensive two-week mission at the Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) yielded significant academic milestones, focusing on the finalization of a comprehensive joint research paper and the official acceptance of project findings at a major international energy conference.

A primary objective of the stay was a series of technical consultations between Joshua Ngetuny and senior scientists at TU-K. The team focused on a joint research paper providing a data-driven assessment of the current status and future biogas potential in Kenya. The upcoming publication analyzes regional feedstock availability, evaluates specific local substrate characteristics, and maps out the methane yields across different Kenyan counties. By identifying these localized energy potentials, the paper establishes the vital scientific baseline required to inform policy and guide the next phase of the BIOVARYA research collaboration. The manuscript is currently undergoing final preparations and is on track for official submission by mid-June 2026.

In a major milestone for the project, key findings from this collaborative research have already been compiled into a conference poster and submitted to the prestigious European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE 2026) in The Hague, Netherlands. The project team is delighted to announce that the submission has been officially accepted for a poster presentation! This platform will allow the BIOVARYA team to present their joint German-Kenyan research findings to a global audience of leading bioenergy experts, policymakers, and scientists. A detailed update on the upcoming EUBCE 2026 presentation will be published on our website shortly.

Beyond the publication work, the research stay directly benefited the next generation of bioenergy experts at TU-K. Mr Ngetuny conducted targeted mentoring sessions with final-year undergraduate and master’s students who are currently writing their theses on biogas technologies. A central element of this training focused on determining biogas potential using the newly procured Automatic BMP Analyzer at TU-K. Drawing from extensive practical experience with identical experimental setups at THI, Mr Ngetuny provided technical guidance on experimental methodologies, data logging, and baseline calibration.

Der Beitrag 2. Research Stay in Kenya erschien zuerst auf p166094.

On February 19, 2026, the Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) hosted a virtual information event designed to strengthen and expand the Kenyan biogas sector. Bringing together 30 key participants, the event marked a major milestone in driving academia-industry collaboration and expanding the BIOVARYA network beyond its initial borders.

The virtual meeting successfully connected local biogas enterprises, academic institutions, and German stakeholders. High-profile institutional attendees included representatives from USIU-Africa, Nairobi Technical Polytechnic, Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), TU-K, Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI), and Ibn Tofail University in Morocco. The private sector was equally well-represented by major industry players operating in Kenya, including Flexi Biogas, Farmgas Africa, Sistema.bio, Greenyard Limited, and Greenleaf Limited.

A standout milestone of the event was the clear interest from Kenyan biogas companies to work with research and academic institutions like TU-K and KIRDI to develop solutions aimed at improving biogas plant performance and designs. As a vital government link to the industry, KIRDI’s biogas and policy experts opened new avenues for future cooperation. The stakeholders engaged in a vital exchange on substrate analysis and Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) testing. They also addressed pressing regulatory hurdles, such as the current lack of quality standards for digestate when utilized as a fertilizer.

In a practical highlight of the session, TU-K showcased its newly acquired Automatic BMP Analyzer, procured with the support of the BIOVARYA project. Guided by TU-K researcher and masters student, Mr. Josphat Mibei, participants were introduced to the analyzer’s advanced capabilities. The equipment is set to significantly elevate local substrate research by delivering reliable, internationally validated results, effectively closing a critical data gap in the region.

The event concluded with a powerful consensus: academia, industry, and international partners must deepen their ties to secure the long-term, sustainable growth of Kenya’s biogas sector. Moving forward, the participants emphasized the urgent need to accelerate the establishment of a strong national biogas association while simultaneously boosting technology awareness and targeted research to fully unlock Kenya’s bioenergy potential.

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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 project partner, to THI and Bavarian biogas companies including Snowleopard, Agrikomp, and BioIN GmbH.

Cooperation article on biogas systems

During his visit, Joshua met with project partners at TU-K, where they discussed and developed a plan for a joint review article on biogas systems in Kenya. This review will serve as a key foundation for future research and collaboration opportunities between TU-K and THI, as well as German and Kenyan biogas companies.

Visit to Biogas International

The project team from TU-K and THI also visited Biogas International, a BIOVARYA partner and distributor of flexi-biogas systems. At their site, they observed experimental tests and model farms designed to evaluate different feedstocks and applications of biogas and digestate. The visit identified several potential areas of collaboration between Biogas International and the research institutions, underscoring the need for a structured MoU between TU-K and the company to formalize their partnership.

Talks with Greenleaf Renewable Energy Ltd.

In addition, discussions were held with Greenleaf Renewable Energy Ltd, another BIOVARYA partner that installs and equips domestic fixed-dome biogas systems. Talks focused on extending and strengthening collaboration through both research and consultancy.

Future outlook

With this strengthened collaboration and exchange, both universities and industry partners can now identify areas of cooperation, learn from each other’s experiences, and explore opportunities for business collaboration and technology exchange.

Der Beitrag 1. Research Stay in Kenya erschien zuerst auf p166094.

In the summer 2025, an important leadership change took place in the BIOVARYA project: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wilfried Zörner, project manager and influential figure in the field of renewable energies at the University of Applied Sciences Ingolstadt (THI), retired and handed over the project management to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Goldbrunner.

A Strong Foundation: Prof. Zörner’s Contributions

Prof. Zörner has shaped the Institute of New Energy Systems (InES) since its founding and has successfully established international collaborations in sustainable energy systems, particularly with African partner countries. Under his leadership, numerous research projects were carried out, promoting knowledge exchange, technological development, and cooperation between science and industry.
He also laid the key foundations for BIOVARYA: his long-standing expertise in biogas research, extensive international network, and close collaboration with the Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) were crucial for the project’s launch and strategic direction.

Continuity and New Impulses: Prof. Goldbrunner Takes Over

Prof. Markus Goldbrunner, an experienced scientist who has been working at InES for several years and specializes in research and teaching in energy systems engineering, sustainable technologies, and in particular biogas and bioenergy systems, will take over as project manager. He brings extensive experience in the implementation of applied research projects and in collaboration with industry partners.
Thanks to his expertise in biogas and innovative energy systems and his strong network within the university, Prof. Goldbrunner will ensure the seamless continuation of the project. At the same time, he will contribute new perspectives and ideas that will shape the further development of BIOVARYA in the coming months.

BIOVARYA Moves Forward Stronger Than Ever

The handover marks an important milestone while ensuring that the project remains in excellent hands. With the strong foundation laid by Prof. Zörner and the dynamic new direction under Prof. Goldbrunner, BIOVARYA is well-positioned to advance the exchange between Bavaria and Kenya, strengthen collaboration between research and industry, and actively promote sustainable energy development in the biogas sector.
The entire BIOVARYA team sincerely thanks Prof. Zörner for his dedication and looks forward to the next steps under Prof. Goldbrunner’s leadership.

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In early June 2025, a five-member delegation from Kenya visited Bavaria to deepen the exchange between Kenyan and Bavarian biogas companies. The aim was to consolidate existing partnerships, develop new ideas for joint projects, and lay the foundation for sustainable cross-border collaboration.

Delegation profile

The delegation included representatives from the Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) and the managing directors of Green Yard Limited, Flexi Biogas, and GreenLeaf Renewable Energy Ltd. Each participant contributed valuable insights and experiences from research, business practice, and technology development.

Insights at AgriKomp Merkendorf

One of the highlights of the visit was a tour of AgriKomp in Merkendorf. During company presentations and a walk through the production facilities, the guests were introduced to innovative technologies, modular system solutions, and practical implementation strategies. For the Kenyan companies, the opportunity to learn about component manufacturing and international market strategies proved especially insightful.

Visit to Snowleopard Renewable Energy

Equally impressive was the visit to Snowleopard Renewable Energy in Reisbach, a company specializing in sustainable energy systems. Discussions there focused on innovative applications of biogas technologies in international contexts and practical solutions for agricultural operations. The program also included a visit to the BioIN biogas plant near Ingolstadt, which efficiently processes organic household waste and makes a significant ecological contribution.

Technical exchange & networking

Another key part of the trip was the exchange on networking structures within the biogas sector. A presentation by the German Biogas Association on topics such as professional organization and industry collaboration sparked great interest among the delegates. The subsequent discussions provided valuable impulses for future cooperation between academia, industry, and practice.

Outcomes & outlook

The week made one thing clear: the BIOVARYA network thrives on mutual learning and open exchange across technical, economic, and organizational boundaries. Participants not only strengthened existing connections but also discussed concrete ideas for future projects. As a tangible outcome, the Kenyan companies expressed their intention to present their profiles on the project’s website—an important step toward fostering long-term international communication and collaboration.

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From June 9 to 12, 2025, the 33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE) took place in Valencia, Spain. As one of the world’s leading events for experts from science, industry, and policy, the conference once again served as a key platform for international exchange on topics such as sustainable energy generation, biofuels, conversion technologies, and the circular economy.

THI researcher presents innovative biogas methodology

Among the participants was Joshua Ngetuny from the Industrial Energy Systems research group at the Institute of New Energy Systems (InES), Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI). He presented his study titled “Biogas in the Developing World: Feedstock Availability and Selection Using Analytic Hierarchy Process.”

New methodology for selecting and prioritizing biogas feedstocks

In his presentation, Ngetuny introduced a novel methodology for selecting and prioritizing feedstocks for small-scale biogas plants. The approach aims to improve the resilience and sustainability of such systems, particularly in developing regions. The method evaluates potential feedstocks based on three key criteria: feedstock suitability, supply consistency, and logistical feasibility.

Research findings: Supply consistency as the key stability factor

Results from the research showed that supply consistency has the strongest impact on the stability of biogas plants, followed by suitability and logistical aspects. Using a case study in the Fès-Meknès region of Morocco, potential feedstocks identified through farm surveys were analyzed and ranked. Cattle manure emerged as the top feedstock due to its steady availability, ease of handling, and good digestibility. It was followed by straw from wheat, maize, and barley, which stood out for its storability and consistent supply. Other materials such as sheep, horse, and chicken manure ranked lower.
Based on these findings, the study recommends co-digestion of cattle manure and straw, as the combination offers a balanced nutrient profile and enhances process stability.

Embedded in the international AMBER research project

The research was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Wilfried Zörner as part of the international AMBER project, which focuses on sustainable biogas systems and renewable energy strategies in different regions worldwide.

Importance for biogas research and international collaboration

Participation in the EUBCE highlights InES’s strong commitment to applied research that promotes sustainable biogas technologies. By presenting at one of Europe’s most prestigious biomass conferences, InES was able to share its latest findings with an international audience and gather valuable input for future collaborations.

Der Beitrag THI Presents Biogas Research at the EUBCE in Valencia erschien zuerst auf p166094.