To promote biogas technology as a clean source of energy and waste treatment, the Energy Foundation has built a biogas latrine on the campus of the University College of Education, Winneba. The latrine has been erected next to the teaching practice school on the campus. The facility has been financed by the German Embassy in Accra through its Small Grants Program. Design and construction have been done by UNIRECO Ltd., Accra.

In a biogas plant the waste undergoes anaerobic fermentation which kills practically all bacteria and worms and allows the slurry to be used as a fertilizer for vegetable cultivation. After a retention time of 20-30 days the slurry is odourless and therefore does not attract flies. The methane gas produced in the fermentation process can be used for cooking or lighting. These advantages make the biogas latrine a favourable option for waste treatment in educational institutions or hospitals.

The gas dome at the University Practice School, Winneba, has a volume of 30 m³. The maximum volume of gas to be stored is 6 m³. This is enough gas to operate the cooker for about 12 hours. See details.

With the construction of the latrine on the university campus, which has over eight thousand students from all the regions of the country the knowledge gained on biogas technology can be widely spread.

The new biogas latrine at the University Practice School North Campus, UNEW

The chemical process of anaerobic fermentation is being explained to the students

The gas dome under construction