Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
20 September 2023 | 10:49am SAST
2-min read

Picture: SANEDI

In an endeavour to combat waste and reduce environmental harm, two military bases in Limpopo, South Africa, are leading the way in sustainable practices. Air Force Base Makhado and the 523 Squadron (SQN) Army Base in the town of Louis Trichardt have become the pilot sites for an extraordinary project known as the Department of Defence’s biodigester project. This initiative is a partnership between the Department of Defence and the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI).

Dr Karen Surridge, representing SANEDI, shed light on the initiative during an interview with Radio Islam International. The project’s primary goal is to minimise the ecological impact of military bases while ensuring a reliable energy supply. Given the substantial amount of food preparation and waste generated at these bases, the project focuses on utilising food waste to produce energy for cooking.

At the heart of this initiative lies an ingenious biodigester system, often likened to a massive underground stomach. The process begins in the kitchen, where food scraps and organic waste are collected. A specialised macerator, similar to a garbage disposal unit, grinds and chops the food waste. This ground-up organic matter is then flushed through a pipe into the underground biodigester.

Inside the biodigester, microorganisms digest the food waste, producing two valuable outputs. First, it generates a potent fertiliser that can be utilised in gardens. Second, it produces methane gas, akin to LPG, which is piped back into the kitchen to fuel stoves during food preparation. This sustainable system effectively closes the loop, converting food waste into energy used for cooking.

One of the project’s features is its adaptability to different scales. While the pilot sites are military bases, the technology can be implemented in residential homes and restaurants as well. Dr Surridge noted that smaller household-scale systems can be cost-effective and relatively straightforward to set up, with some individuals even constructing DIY versions. For larger installations, like military bases, the investment is more significant but yields substantial long-term benefits.

The technology behind the biodigester system is not entirely new, but its potential remains largely untapped. In South Africa, this eco-friendly solution is already commercialised, with local manufacturers producing the necessary equipment. Various companies offer installation services, making it accessible to a broader audience. Nevertheless, Dr Surridge emphasised the importance of proper care and maintenance, as these systems require vigilant attention during the initial stages.

The biodigester project demonstrates that innovative approaches to waste management and energy production can play a pivotal role in protecting the environment. By turning food scraps into energy, these military bases are leading the way in the battle to save the planet. As the technology continues to gain attention and commercialisation expands, it holds the potential to revolutionise waste management practices worldwide and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat here.