Introduction to BIOMA and Its Research Focus
The Biogas Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, also known as the Rural Energy and Ecology Research Centre of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, was established in 1979 with the approval of the State Council. It is the only public welfare research institute in China dedicated to the study of biogas and other renewable energy sources.
BIOMA’s primary focus lies in addressing significant scientific issues, key technical problems, and strategic policy matters in the fields of rural energy, agricultural engineering, environmental science, and their intersections. The institute has been instrumental in advancing research and innovation in anaerobic fermentation and agro-ecological restoration since its inception.
Key Milestones and Achievements
Since its establishment in 1979, BIOMA has made remarkable progress in the field of anaerobic fermentation and agro-ecological restoration. Over the years, it has achieved several milestones, including the establishment of the China Biogas Association in 1980 and the Asia-Pacific Regional Biogas Research and Training Centre in 1981. In 1983, the journal China Biogas was first published, and in 1989, BIOMA received a national award for the first time. The institute was approved as a Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture in 1993 and was later placed under the administration of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in 1997.
More recently, in 2022, BIOMA published a paper in Nature for the first time, and in 2023, it was officially designated as the Rural Energy and Ecological Research Centre of CAAS. These milestones reflect BIOMA’s steady growth and leadership in advancing research and innovation in anaerobic fermentation and agro-ecological restoration.
Innovations and Contributions
Over the years, BIOMA has made several groundbreaking contributions. In 1989, it developed a complete set of national standard technologies for rural household biogas digesters, earning the Second Prize of National Science and Technology Progress. Its study on pilot comprehensive construction of rural energy at the county level in different regions received the First Prize of Agricultural Science and Technology Progress from the Ministry of Agriculture in 1992 and the Second Prize of National Science and Technology Progress in 1993.
Research on the acclimatisation of high-activity sludge and its microbiology in anaerobic digestion of organic wastewater won the Third Prize of National Science and Technology Progress in 1997. In 2001, BIOMA’s development of large-scale breeding and industrialisation technology for Sichuan lean-type pigs earned the First Prize of Sichuan Provincial Science and Technology Progress. Its 2009 research on biogas technology treatment modes and technical systems for livestock and poultry manure also won the same provincial honour, which it repeated in 2018 for R&D and application of key technologies for pig farm manure treatment and utilisation.
To date, BIOMA has published over 900 scientific and technological papers, including three in Nature between 2022 and 2025, and has been granted more than 350 patents. These achievements underscore its sustained role in advancing anaerobic fermentation and biogas technology.
Integration of Research and Real-World Applications
BIOMA integrates scientific research with practical application through a closed-loop “Research-Pilot-Promotion” model. It begins by conducting targeted research based on rural needs and develops process technologies for various fermentation materials. Demonstration pilots are then set up in rural areas to test these technologies under real production conditions, optimising them based on farmers’ feedback. Once mature, the technologies are promoted on a larger scale.
The institute also compiles technical guidance manuals and conducts grassroots training to ensure rural users can effectively apply its research outcomes. BIOMA has formulated and revised 60 industrial and local standards, creating a comprehensive system for the construction, operation, testing, and safe use of biogas projects. Tens of millions of household biogas digesters across China have adopted BIOMA’s standard designs. Other anaerobic fermentation technologies developed by the institute have been applied in more than 500 large and medium-sized biogas projects across 26 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions.
Role in China’s Carbon Peaking and Neutrality Goals
BIOMA plays a central role in China’s efforts to achieve carbon peaking and neutrality by promoting comprehensive utilisation of biomass energy and developing renewable energy technologies such as biogas, which reduce fossil fuel dependence and curb carbon emissions. Its work spans basic research, such as the collection and preservation of energy microorganisms and studies on anaerobic fermentation mechanisms, to applied research covering process technologies, equipment, high-value product utilisation, and policy analysis.
At the application level, BIOMA develops low-carbon scenarios for rural areas by adapting existing technologies to local conditions. It also contributes to policy support and standard-setting, having participated in drafting the Implementation Plan for Emission Reduction and Carbon Sequestration in Agriculture and Rural Areas. Additionally, BIOMA provides methodological support for carbon accounting in biogas projects, has established a certification system for carbon emission methodologies, and built a methane emission monitoring platform using Internet of Things (IoT) technology to track carbon footprints in real time, supplying vital data to the national system.
Supporting Developing Countries in Their Green Energy Transition
BIOMA supports China’s “dual carbon” commitments in multiple ways. First, it researches, develops, and promotes low-carbon technologies in agriculture and rural areas, such as the integrated and innovative application of biogas, solar energy, and wind energy. Second, it conducts technical training and knowledge promotion to enhance low-carbon practice capabilities at the grassroots level. Third, it participates in relevant policy research and provides technical support. Fourth, it verifies the feasibility of technologies through demonstration projects, promotes the transformation of scientific achievements, and contributes to carbon emission reduction and green development in the agricultural and rural fields.
In rural China, BIOMA has found that solar energy and biogas technologies provide the most stable results. Distributed photovoltaic systems and household solar lights are easy to deploy, well-suited to scattered rural populations, directly meet electricity needs for lighting and small appliances, and require low maintenance. Biogas technology aligns with the abundance of organic waste in rural areas. Straw, livestock, and poultry manure, as well as other materials, are converted into biogas for cooking, while the residue is used as organic fertiliser. This creates a “waste–energy–fertilizer” cycle, achieving both resource efficiency and emission reduction. Microgrids are developing rapidly, but currently lack the same level of stability.
Lessons for Developing Countries
A key lesson from BIOMA’s experience is the importance of matching appropriate technologies with local resources. For instance, solar energy is best suited to sunny regions, while biogas thrives in areas with abundant biomass. Another lesson is the value of starting with small, effective projects. Low-cost initiatives such as household photovoltaic systems and small biogas digesters allow countries to gain practical experience before scaling up.
Linking energy projects to livelihoods is also critical. Technologies should serve multiple functions, such as providing energy, protecting the environment, and generating income. For example, using biogas residue as fertiliser encourages community acceptance while supporting agricultural productivity. Finally, investing in local talent through training ensures long-term operation and maintenance, which is essential for sustainability.
Challenges and Practical Steps for Nigeria
Developing countries often overlook their own resource endowments and attempt to replicate models from elsewhere, for example, promoting wind power in areas with minimal wind. They also tend to prioritise equipment procurement over operation and maintenance, which can leave projects idle due to a lack of technical expertise. Another common challenge is inadequate supporting grid infrastructure, which limits the effective integration and distribution of renewable energy. Policy inconsistency, such as frequent changes in subsidies and energy plans, can discourage long-term investment. Excessive reliance on foreign capital and technology can also hamper the growth of local industries. Finally, many countries struggle to balance the immediate livelihood needs of their populations with long-term energy transition goals, resulting in unstable energy supply and fluctuating employment.
Nigeria could benefit from prioritising household and small-scale biogas plants, which suit decentralised rural energy demands, are relatively easy to implement, and can quickly improve energy access. Distributed photovoltaic systems, including solar-powered streetlights and water heaters, should also be promoted, particularly in areas with limited electricity access. At the same time, establishing grassroots technical training centres would help cultivate local technicians, ensuring that renewable energy equipment is properly maintained and applied sustainably. Adapting technical solutions to community-specific needs would further enhance acceptance and reduce barriers to widespread adoption.
In off-grid areas of Nigeria, household photovoltaic and household biogas technologies are the most suitable. These systems are easy to maintain, compatible with local technical skills, and strike a balance between affordability and practicality.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The first step for a country like Nigeria to successfully adopt this model in the agricultural sector is to assess the distribution and output of agricultural wastes, such as straw and livestock manure, and determine suitable locations for biogas projects based on available resources, including sunlight, to avoid blind planning. Next, subsidy policies should be introduced to reduce equipment costs for farmers and cooperatives, while training local personnel in operation and maintenance. Demonstration projects should be built to showcase the benefits of biogas energy and biogas fertiliser, increasing farmers’ willingness to participate. Finally, the approval process should be simplified, and coordination between agricultural and energy departments should be strengthened to ensure efficient project implementation.
Local communities played a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainability of ecological restoration projects. They actively managed and protected project areas, performing daily maintenance, patrols, and fire prevention to reduce degradation risks. Communities also contributed to resource conversion by integrating restoration areas with ecological industries, achieving both environmental protection and income generation. Their feedback helped adapt projects to local realities, ensuring alignment with livelihoods. Incorporating economic value into project design further strengthened long-term sustainability.
Nigeria can ensure that smallholder farmers and rural communities are actively involved in climate adaptation and restoration programmes by linking projects with farmers’ income, empowering them through training, respecting their main body status, and simplifying support mechanisms.
Some technologies and projects may be replicated in Nigeria. For example, household biogas digesters and small biogas plant technologies are suitable for treating organic waste and supplying energy in rural areas. The model of integrating distributed photovoltaic systems with agriculture is well adapted to the abundance of solar resources. Low-carbon agricultural technologies such as water-saving irrigation and organic fertiliser application are also useful. Small-scale pilot projects can be launched first, adjusted based on local climate and resources, before wider promotion, and supported by a simple training system to enhance their implementability.
The most important capacity, technical or institutional, for a country that wants to transition to safe and low-carbon energy use is institutional capacity. Without a sound system, technologies are prone to ineffectiveness due to difficulties in implementation, as well as chaotic operation and maintenance. It is therefore necessary to first establish a policy framework, such as low-carbon goals and subsidy mechanisms, to clarify directions, set up a supervision system to ensure energy security, and build a coordination mechanism to resolve bottlenecks in implementation.
For policymakers and practitioners in developing countries, balancing energy access with climate commitments requires grounding in local realities. Priority should be given to the development of low-cost renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic power, small hydro-power, and household biogas. It is equally important to avoid the blind pursuit of large-scale, all-encompassing, and high-investment projects that may not be sustainable in the long run. Focusing on practical and scalable solutions ensures both energy access and climate goals can be achieved effectively.
China has made significant progress in meeting its carbon peaking targets. From the perspective of BIOMA, China’s ability to achieve carbon peaking has been driven by key policy decisions and strategies. These include the construction of the “1+N” policy framework for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, which provides a clear timetable and road map for action. In addition, the country has advanced the green transition of energy by accelerating the development of renewable energy and enabling its installed capacity to surpass that of coal-fired power historically. China has also promoted the optimisation and upgrading of industrial structures by fostering green factories and industrial parks that drive low-carbon development. Moreover, the establishment of a dual-control system for carbon emissions has strengthened oversight of both total carbon emissions and carbon emission intensity, ensuring that industrial and energy sectors align with the country’s climate targets.
For developing countries such as Nigeria, setting and implementing climate goals must be based on national conditions and should take into account resource endowments and stages of development. It is advisable to prioritise distributed renewable energy such as biomass energy, particularly biogas, and solar energy. A cross-departmental coordination mechanism should be established to strengthen policy synergy and prevent fragmentation. At the same time, efforts should be made to actively seek international climate financing, innovate blended finance models, and attract private sector participation. Emphasis should also be placed on technological innovation and data transparency, including the creation of a carbon emission monitoring platform. Furthermore, best practices should be promoted through regional cooperation to improve the overall effectiveness of climate goal implementation.
BIOMA places great emphasis on technical training and knowledge sharing and is very willing to provide short-term capacity-building programmes related to renewable energy and climate-smart technologies for Nigerian scholars or technicians. It is recommended to formally submit a clear request for conducting overseas biogas technology training to the Economic and Commercial Office of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria through the relevant departments of the Nigerian government. The request should specify the training objectives, the scope of trainees, and the expected scale, to lay the foundation for promoting the integration of the biogas technology training programme into the China-Nigeria bilateral cooperation framework.
Meanwhile, active consideration should be given to cooperating with Nigerian institutions in areas such as pilot projects. Such exchanges and cooperation can align with the needs of both parties, clarify the cooperating entities, and use projects as platforms to focus on the promotion of practical technologies. This approach will not only help enhance Nigeria’s relevant capabilities but also facilitate the mutual learning of technical experience.
Nigeria’s transition to safe energy requires building local adaptation and application capabilities of technologies, including the ability to operate and maintain biogas equipment and to install small hydro-power stations. These technologies must be tailored to actual rural scenarios in order to avoid difficulties arising from the implementation of complex systems. It is also important to strengthen policy implementation and coordination capabilities so that policies such as energy subsidies and project approvals accurately reach the grassroots level. At the same time, there must be effective collaboration between agricultural and energy departments to resolve bottlenecks in project advancement. Furthermore, community mobilisation capabilities are essential, as farmers’ acceptance and participation in safe energy solutions such as biogas and solar energy can be enhanced through explanations by local leaders and demonstrations of real benefits.
