It was chosen from 732 projects from 96 countries in the categories of earth, fire, water, air and youth. Vietnam’s biogas project was nominated along with two other projects under air-related projects

Assisted by the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV), the biogas program was started in 2003 and has, since, provided 27,000 families in 24 provinces cooking facilities, lighting, and toilets.

Any family with at least two cows or four pigs can run a simple biogas plant. The family toilet can also be connected to it. Such a plant – the last word in sustainability – will generate enough gas to power a stove and a lamp. The cost of a biogas plant, around US$540, can be recouped within a few years through savings on firewood, and the rest can still be used as manure.

Besides, biogas is a clean cooking fuel, unlike firewood. Research by the World Health Organization has shown that 1.6 million people die every year owing to fuel fumes and poor indoor ventilation.

The program is also creating much employment in rural Vietnam.

Implemented by the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and co-financed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it targets to develop around 167,000 biogas works in 50 provinces by 2010. 

The Energy Globe, one of the world's most recognized environmental awards, is given away by the Austrian government and supported by the UN, EU, and others.

Each category carries a cash prize of €10,000 (US$13,525), a 17 kg bronze statue, and a certificate.

Source: Tuoi Tre – Compiled by Luu Thi Hong