Energy access is a key element to development, especially in more remote rural communities where mains electricity does not reach. In these locations there are a number of small-scale renewable energy technologies that can be used. These technologies include: micro-hydro, solar energy and wind, as well as more traditional biomass technologies such as biogas, crop waste, biofuels and stoves.

BIOFUEL AND BIOMASS
Biofuels and biomass cover a whole range of energy options derived from organic sources such as wood, crops, and crop residues. These can be made into solid, liquid or gas fuels.

• BIOMASS AS A SOLID FUEL - Solid biomass includes wood, sawdust, and crop waste which can be used directly or processed into briquettes and charcoal.
• FUEL FROM THE FIELDS: CHARCOAL FROM AGRICULTURAL WASTE - This brief describes a way for rural farmers to make charcoal from agricultural waste on a small scale.

BIOGAS
Biogas is produced from organic material such as animal dung that has decomposed in the absence of oxygen making a mixture that is mainly made up of methane. It can be used directly for cooking and lighting or for generating electricity.

• BIOGAS - Biogas is a fuel used for cooking and lighting made from dung and other organic waste.
• USING A BIOGAS DIGESTER - This document concentrates on giving advice on the usage of small-scale domestic biogas digesters.