SRC Seeking To Expand Biogas Project

Having successfully installed 600 waste water treatment systems throughout Jamaica, with the goal of  extracting biogas for cooking, the Scientific Research Council (SRC) is looking to expand its reach in the region over the next month.

Beginning with Haiti in December, the SRC is also looking to penetrate the St. Lucian and Antiguan markets by the next financial year.

In an interview with JIS News, Executive Director of the SRC, Dr. Cliff Riley, explained that the treatment of waste water and the conversion to biogas has become popular, with many requests coming to the SRC from other countries in the region.

Outlining the process, Dr. Riley said it involves the SRC treating faecal waste and converting it to biogas, which can then be canned and used as cooking gas.

He added that the solid remains can be used as organic manure and the treated liquid can be used for irrigation purposes.

In keeping with SRC’s vision and mandate, Dr. Riley said the aim is to “look at applying science and technology to improve the lives of people in Jamaica and in the wider Caribbean.”

With the SRC owning the patent in some territories to develop the waste water treatment facilities, the Council is now far advanced in seeking patent to enter additional markets.

The SRC began the waste water treatment programme in Jamaica in 1995. They are currently working on systems in six local hospitals.