The Biomass Gasification Technology, a Sustainable energy solution for Agri-food processing and Waste management in rural areas of Vietnam project (or BEST Project) aims to promote the adoption of volumetric continuous biomass gasification technology (VCBG) in the agri-MSEs, positively contributing to the transition to renewable energy and waste management in Vietnam by scaling up the adoption of environmentally friendly and low-cost volumetric continuous biomass gasification (VCBG) technology.
Implementing locations
Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, Yen Bai, Lao Cai provinces; then national level.
Objective
To promote sustainable agri-food processing and contribute to enhancing waste management in Vietnam by facilitating the adoption of VCBG as renewable energy among agri-MSEs.
Outcomes
- Through application of VCBG, agri-MSEs in four provinces (Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, Yen Bai, Lao Cai) achieve improved product quality and efficient energy consumption, and contribute to managing rural waste.
- Increased availability of mechanical and biomass supply services and access to finance for agri-MSEs to deploy VCBG on a consistent basis.
- “Buy-in” and support from relevant government agencies for further adoption and replication of VCBG in agri-food processing and other industries.
Impacts
1.2 million people (50% women) in the four provinces are the final beneficiaries of this project.
2,500 MSEs in agri-food processing adopt VCBG as their main energy source.
1.4 million tonnes of biomass are used as fuel for VCBG in the four provinces.
2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent are reduced in the four provinces.
Planned research under the BEST project
A study of the domestic and international market potential for biochar:
The study explores the current size, applications, benefits, production costs, pricing, and future trends of the biochar market. In addition, the study will map the stakeholders in this sector.
A study of comprehensive cost-benefit calculations for deploying VCBG in agri-food processing, including biochar:
The study will develop standard cost-benefit calculations for the use of VCBG for MSEs in the agri-food processing industry taking into account specific local contexts. The calculations will quantify and compare VCBG-related investment and operational costs with its economic, social and environmental benefits.
Donor
The European Union, Switch Asia Grants Programme
Implementing Partners
Center for Creativity and Sustainability Study and Consultancy

Milestones & Stories
When waste reduces environmental pollution - a story from Dinh Hoa, Thai Nguyen
Photos
Field trip photos in Thai Nguyen