Saudi Arabia’s Forward7 Initiative Partners with Sistema.bio to Revolutionize Clean Energy Access in Nepal and Indonesia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Forward7 Initiative, a transformative program under the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI), has announced a collaboration with Sistema.bio, a global leader in biogas technology, to enhance clean energy access for smallholder farmers in Nepal and Indonesia. This partnership aims to install 800 subsidized biodigesters by January 2025, a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions and rural development in the region.

Empowering Rural Communities

Forward7, previously known as the “Kingdom’s Clean Fuel Solutions for Cooking,” is driven by a mission to provide clean cooking technologies to vulnerable populations. The initiative emphasizes reducing CO2 emissions, improving health, empowering women, and fostering economic growth. In Nepal and Indonesia, the project will target dairy farmers, enabling them to convert organic waste into renewable energy through innovative biogas systems.

These biodigesters will not only replace traditional, polluting fuels like wood and coal but also generate biofertilizer as a by-product, offering an organic alternative to chemical fertilizers. This dual benefit addresses climate change, soil health, and cost savings for farmers.

Key Collaborations and Implementation

In Nepal, Forward7 will partner with the Nepal Biogas Promotion Association (NBPA), while in Indonesia, the initiative will collaborate with PT Biru Karbon Nusantara (BKN). Together, these organizations will facilitate the installation and maintenance of biogas plants ranging from 2 to 40 cubic meters in capacity.

A robust project management strategy is in place to address potential challenges such as import delays, installation quality, and user adaptation. Additionally, the project will tackle the high non-functionality rate of existing biogas systems by deploying targeted marketing and awareness campaigns.

Driving Sustainable Development

This initiative directly aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, which seeks to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Forward7’s broader mission aims to provide 750 million people with clean cooking solutions, marking a significant contribution to global climate action and poverty alleviation.

By fostering international cooperation and promoting renewable energy solutions, the Forward7-Sistema.bio partnership exemplifies how innovative technology and strategic alliances can drive meaningful change.

Sistema.bio: A Proven Catalyst for Change

As a global social enterprise, Sistema.bio has a proven track record of delivering high-quality biodigester technology, training, and financing to smallholder farmers worldwide. Their solutions not only reduce carbon footprints but also enhance farm productivity and sustainability. With support from Internet of Things (IoT)-backed measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems, Sistema.bio ensures accountability and efficiency in carbon mitigation programs.

This partnership expands Sistema.bio’s footprint in Asia, enabling it to extend its impact on addressing poverty, food security, and climate change.

A Greener Future for Rural Communities

The Forward7 Initiative’s focus on biogas technology as a sustainable solution is a vital step in addressing environmental and socio-economic challenges faced by rural communities. By transforming organic waste into clean energy and biofertilizers, the project empowers farmers, protects the environment, and contributes to a healthier, more sustainable future for Nepal and Indonesia.

As the initiative progresses, it serves as a model for international cooperation and innovation, underscoring the potential of clean energy solutions to uplift marginalized populations and combat climate change.