Review of biomethanation program : Centre de Developpement des Energies Renouvelables (CDER), Morocco

Special external evaluation covers the period 1980-3/86 and is based on document review; visits to university laboratories and rural biogas plants; and interviews with CDER, Government of Morocco, Peace Corps, and university personnel. CDER has succeeded in a relatively short time in establishing a staffed organization in temporary office and laboratory facilities (while permanent facilities are being built), developing cooperative programs with other agencies and institutions, and commencing a varied program in renewable energy activities. On the other hand, however, CDER needs a stronger analytical and economic justification for its current and planned biomethanation program; the choice of digester type and design has been based more on experience of other countries (specifically, the People's Republic of China) than on Moroccan needs; and CDER's role in biomethanation - whether as a catalyzing organization or a major actor - is unclear. It is recommended that CDER: (1) immediately begin a series of studies to collect the data needed to justify a biomethanation program; (2) plan these studies in cooperation with universities and other higher education institutions in order to involve as many students as possible; (3) base the type and size of digester to be used on the results of the above studies; and, pending results of the studies, (4) experiment with designs better matched to current loading rates and gas requirements, less costly in the use of materials, and allowing digested sludge to be used as fertilizer; and (5) consider plans for the construction of 2-3 small demonstration units, in collaboration with other actors in the biomass program, in areas open to public examination, so that a broad audience of potential users will be reached.