FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to common questions about how Mopane Biogas systems work, who they’re for, and how they help turn everyday organic waste into clean, independent energy.
Why the name Mopane Biogas?
The mopane tree is an iconic symbol of southern Africa’s natural heritage — yet firewood harvesting is pushing it toward local extinction and areas around many villages have been stripped bare.
By replacing wood with biogas, harvesting pressure on the mopane and other indigenous trees is reduced while communities and households are empowered with clean, independent energy.
Is Biogas right for me?
To ensure success, consider:
- Do you have at least 3kg/day of organic waste, preferably more?
- Do you have water for dilution (1:1)?
- Do you have a use for the biogas?
- Will you use or sell the fertilizer?
- Do you have a suitable site for the system?
- Can you feed the system regularly?
- Are you in a region that doesn’t experience very cold winters, or are you willing to add heating in winter?
If you can answer “yes” to these questions – you’re ready to go!
Can I use human waste?
Strictly speaking, yes. But this introduces human-specific
pathogens into the digestate and so we don’t recommend it unless you can properly manage it. Human waste produces less gas, smells more, and the pathogens that remain make it difficult to use the fertiliser. A composting toilet or a septic tank with a soakaway is often better solution for human waste management.
Can I run my LPG or natural gas appliances on biogas?
No. Biogas has different combustion characteristics to LPG or natural gas. Dedicated biogas appliances are usually required.
How safe Is Biogas?
Biogas is safe when used correctly. In fact, due to it’s lower energy content and the low pressure in our systems, it’s arguably safer than LPG or natural gas. Nonetheless, it is a flammable gas and must be respected.
Safety tips:
- No smoking, open flames or electrical devices near the digester or gas bag
- Locate the digester and gas bag outdoors. Only use gas appliances in well-ventilated areas
- Follow operating instructions carefully
What about cold winters?
Biogas production slows in cold temperatures and eventually stops below 15°C. Our systems are partially buried and covered by a greenhouse to retain heat, but in cold areas you’ll still get less gas in winter, and perhaps even no gas. We supply optional heating systems designed to be run on solar power.
Does it smell?
The digester can smell a little, but generally only during feeding or fertilizer
removal. Proper operation keeps odours minimal. Like all organic fertilisers, the digestate can have a strong smell, but this passes quickly after application. The gas can have a mild sulphur smell when burned but our experience is that this is generally not bad enough to be a problem. The optional filter eliminates all smells for odour- free cooking.
What does self-installation of a (B)energy system entail?
Each system includes a full installation guide. You need to dig shallow a pit for the digester, or build a surrounding wall. The feed and outlet systems are easy to construct using PVC piping and a few other readily available items. Depending on your setup, you might need a qualified gas installer to help with the gas and appliance installation. We’ll be happy to talk you through the installation process or do the installation for you.
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