Use of biogas is becoming popular in the southern dzongkhags. More people in the Dzongkhags of Samtse, Sarpang, Tsirang and Chhukha are slowing switching to biogas use.
Padam Bahadhur Ghalley from Ramitey in Phuentsholing constructed a biogas plant at his home in December last year. He spent around Nu. 30,000 with a subsidy of Nu. 11,700 from the Bhutan Biogas Project. Since then, he says, has been using the gas for cooking purposes. This has helped him cut down the expense of refilling his LPG cylinders and buying firewood. “We use firewood only for big gatherings and festivals. Otherwise, for our family we use biogas to cook our meals.”
Like Padam Bahadhur, Dhan Bahadhur Rai from Dhamdara also recently constructed a biogas plant. Except for the filling of the plant, everything is ready. In two to three months time from now, he will be able to reap the benefits of biogas. “Now we are hoping to cut down on use of LPG cylinders and we are grateful to the government for supporting us with the project.”
According to experts, 17,000 biogas plants are feasible in Bhutan. Out of this, only 300 have been constructed so far as a part of the 3 year Biogas Project, which began in March last year. 
Apart from saving on cooking gas expenses, biogas is also environment friendly and sustainable. “If the plant is constructed as per the design using quality construction materials and workmanship, technically, the plant functions for more than 25-30 years,” said Prakash C Ghimire, Chief Technical Advisor, Bhutan Biogas Project, adding that the users should ensure that the biogas plant is operated properly. “For that, users have to feed the required quantity of cattle dung every day.
While many other villagers have also put up proposals for the biogas project, due to the shortage of trained masons, not all projects could go in full swing. However, with 16 masons from different Gewogs under the Dzongkhag being trained on biogas plant construction recently, the problem is expected to be solved.
