SANNE CASTRO , 2009 FINALIST: SIMGAS

This mass-produced biogas system would supply rural homes in Africa with safer energy. Collected manure, urine, water and kitchen waste are converted into gas for stoves and lamps. The slurry byproduct can be used as fertiliser. The company says biogas is less expensive, polluting and labour-intensive, and more efficient, than the alternatives (wood, kerosene and charcoal) and does not cause deforestation. SimGas will give microcredit loans to help with costs. Families can make their monthly payments via local mobile-phone credit suppliers. It's easier and cheaper than current biogas systems. The company says a new business model is needed to reduce emissions.

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