Emergence BioEnergy

Copper and cow dung are two of the materials being used to help bring electricity to Bangladesh’s rural poor.

A US company, Emergence BioEnergy, is seeking to establish a business in Bangladesh to generate electricity using a Stirling engine powered by methane produced from a bio-digester that converts cow manure into both methane and compost. Excess heat can be applied to agricultural crop drying and many other uses. An estimated 500,000 mini power-plants may be installed, with around 20 kg of copper used in each system. The engine, generator and control system contain about 7 kg of copper. Electricity distribution and other applications rely on more copper.

Energy from biomass (BioEnergy) is a sustainable form of energy that should not contribute to climate change. Unlike fossil fuels, biogas from cow dung is considered carbon neutral, providing a green alternative to the billion tonnes of carbon dioxide that are emitted to the atmosphere each year.



Emergence BioEnergy is currently conducting experiments in Bangladesh and expects to develop a plan for micro-credit financing of Stirling engine power plants. In a country where only 3% of the rural population of 100 million has reliable access to electricity, this project is expected to bring significant benefits to the community.

If successful, this business model can be replicated around the world.