| Overview : The Government of Botswana (GoB), through the Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are implementing a project titled “Promoting production and utilization of Biogas from Agro-waste in South-Eastern Botswana (Biogas Project)”. The Biogas Project seeks to facilitate low-carbon investments in the production and utilization of biogas from agro-waste in the districts of South-eastern Botswana. The project aims to assist Government of Botswana through three project components: - Institutional strengthening and capacity development;
- Facilitation and establishment of biogas plants; and
- Setting up of utilization and knowledge platforms.
In support of the above components and the desire to transition to greener technologies, the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) has expressed desire to construct a medium scale biogas digester. BMC recognizes the need to respond to environmental challenges brought about by their operation processes. The commission produces high volumes of dissolved fat that ultimately ends up in the effluent ponds as coagulated fat residue. The fat residue has to be removed on an annual basis and the process cost the Commission approximately P1.5m. This process, however, does not entirely address the problem as fat remnants still ends up un-processed in the environment. The current measures implemented by BMC in efforts to eliminate fats from the plant effluent have not been successful in reducing the amount of dissolved fats entering the effluent ponds or address the main environmental challenge faced by BMC. A feasibility study conducted (January 2019) recommended that construction and installation of a medium scale biogas digester would be a viable and favorable option to address both the environmental issues and improve energy security at the BMC Lobatse abattoir. To further inform decision making the Department of Environmental Affairs recommended that a detailed and thorough Environmental Management Plan be developed in accordance with EIA Act of 2010 and EIA Regulations of 2012. | 
