On October 16, 2024, a significant environmental initiative was announced involving the launch of biogas installations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming in Indonesia and Nepal. This initiative is a collaboration between Forward7, part of the Middle East Green Initiative, and the global social enterprise Sistema.bio.
The project aims to install up to 800 biodigesters by January 2025. Biodigesters are devices that convert organic waste into biogas through anaerobic decomposition. This technology is expected to mitigate the environmental impact of livestock farming, particularly cattle, which is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2021, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that livestock farming produced 5.024 gigatons of CO2 equivalent emissions, accounting for approximately 62 percent of the sector's total emissions worldwide. The rising trend in beef consumption, particularly in Indonesia where it reached a decade-high in 2022, underscores the urgency of this initiative.
Forward7's commitment includes providing eco-friendly cooking solutions that enhance health and empower marginalized communities while reducing CO2 emissions from traditional cooking methods. The collaboration with Sistema.bio, known for its affordable and high-quality biodigesters, aims to provide farmers with renewable energy and organic fertilizer, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
In Indonesia, the installation of biodigesters will be facilitated through a partnership with PT Biru Karbon Nusantara. The project is expected to enhance access to clean energy for small-scale dairy farmers and promote effective livestock waste management practices, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) related to clean and affordable energy.