Terms of reference

for: Evaluating Composite Biogas Digesters in Vietnam

Date: May 2011 By: Technical Department BPD

1 Introduction
1.1 Timeline 2003 - 2011
In January 2003, the Vietnamese and Dutch Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) for the implementation of a domestic biogas dissemination project in 10 provinces of Vietnam. At
an early stage the project expanded with an additional 2 provinces and increased its target from 10.000
to 12.000 biogas plants.

In July 2005, 6 months ahead of schedule, the project reached its numerical target. In anticipation of a
second phase, the Dutch Government increased its grant to fund the subsidy component of an
additional 6.000 plants thus bringing the project target to 18000 biogas plants by the end of January
2006. For the bridging year 2006 a separate MOU was signed in April 2006.

Encouraged by the results of the Biogas Program phase 1 the Netherlands Government signed a MOU in
July 2006 for a phase 2, 2007-2012, with 58 provinces involved and a target of 140.000 biogas plants.
This project timeline was revised in 2009 to a program ending date of 31 December 2012.

1.2 Objectives of the project

Overall objectives of project are to improve the livelihood and quality of life of rural farmers in
Vietnam through exploiting the economic and non-economic benefits of domestic biogas,
exploiting effectively biogas technology and developing a commercial viable biogas sector in
Vietnam.

The specific objectives are to achieve economic, environmental and social sustainability, provision of
bio-slurry for cultivation and livestock production for clean products with a specific focus on economics,
a commercially viable biogas sector supported by independent businesses. This will guarantee the
continuation of biogas activities after the program finishes in 2012.

1.3 Organisation
On the national level the Biogas Project Division (BPD) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development (MARD) coordinates the biogas programme and is responsible for the implementation of
the project activities, like processing of subsidies, training, quality control, R&D/extension, marketing,
administration and others. Provincial Biogas Project Divisions (PBPDs) act as the provincial counterparts
to the central BPD and are responsible for coordination and implementation of the project activities like
quality control, training, promotion and extension. PBPDs are staffed by the provincial Department for
Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).

1.4 Successes
During the two phases of the Biogas Program in Vietnam, it became one of the most successful biogas
program worldwide. Recently, on 21 st December 2010, this was celebrated with the construction of the
100.000th biogas plant in Soc Son, Ha Noi. Upto April 2011, this number has grown to over 104.322
units. The program safeguards a sustainable development of the biogas market, which is shown by the
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large increase in demand for domestic biogas, and the natural growth of the program in the recent
years.

The project has continuously participated in the development of the biogas sector by capacity building
for project partners, institutionalizing, decentralizing to provinces and outsourcing services. In April
2007, the Vietnam Biogas Program got officially recognized by with an Energy Globe Award 2006 for its
significant contribution to the reduction of global warming. The project was also one of the six Ashden
award winners a prize on sustainable energy 2010 from the U.K, recognizing the successful
partnership between SNV and MARD which has enabled domestic biogas upscale sustainable in Vietnam.

1.5 Technology
The Project Biogas Program for the Animal Husbandry Sector in Vietnam has supported the "fixed
dome biogas digester namely KT1 and KT2 model within its program from the beginning. KT1 is a
further development from NL-6 model designed by the Institute of Energy, while KT2 is derived from a
model developed by the Can Tho University. Both these models are selected to present as standard
models that meet the sector standard of domestic biogas plant stated in 10TCN 492:499-2002 then by
10TCN 97:102-2006 issued by MARD.

To seek suitable household biogas plant models, different from KT1 and KT2, and wide use within the
project, in December 2009, BPD conducted Evaluation study for household biogas plant models. Three
different models, namely: KT31, composite and nylon bag are selected to evaluate in five aspects
construction material, construction technique, operation and maintenance, cost effectiveness and
sanitation and environment. Even each model has strong points, weak points and different applied
conditions. However, the results show that together with KT1 and KT2, the composite model has a high
score and is recommended to apply.

Due to the upcoming market movement and the increasing demand from the farmers concerning the
composite model, the project is considering the support of the composite model in the future. To be able
to support the composite model the project wants to evaluate the quality of the current composite
digester as well as the service provided by its supplier in Vietnam when used for several years.

2 Objectives of the evaluation

To study and evaluate composite biogas digesters who have been in operation for 2 years or more, the
evaluation should both be from a users point of view as well as from a technical point of view. Resulting
in an advice for BPD on how and if the project can support the composite digester market.

3 Scope of activities
In consultation with the BPD Technical team Vietnam, the consultant has to conduct a survey of at least
50 composite digesters that are in operation at least 2 years or longer. The digesters are at least
located in 3 different provinces representing three regions in Vietnam.

Cooperation needs to be sought with the composite digester suppliers, suggestions are:

# Company/supplier Phone E-mail and website

hungvietcomposite@gmail.com
1 Hung Viet Composite Co. LTD. 0363553888
http://www.hungvietcomposite.com/
Hung Vuong Technology Development 0438786603 /
2 hungvuong@hvbiogas.com
of Biogas co. LTD. 0982786603
Quang Huy commerce and production
3 04.33.521.351
Co. LTD

3.1 Survey
Besides the basic information of the household containing information about the family, number of
animals and cooking behaviour, data should be obtained about:
Standard sizes and investment
Type of feeding materials (cattle dung, poultry droppings, human excreta etc.)
Gas use and bio-slurry application

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 Satisfaction of the end-user
o Availability and accessibility to the services
o Selection of plant size
o Financial support
o Technical support, warranty and after- sale services provisions
o Gas pressure (user perspective)
o Operation and maintenance
o Ease of feeding
o Smell left/hygiene function of composite digester
o other
End user knowledge
o Benefits of biogas plant
o Installing and operating principles
o Operation and maintenance in term of safety and avoiding scum formation
o Awareness of family member on environment protection
o Training on usage, slurry usage, assistance with biogas application

3.2 Technical measurements

Obtain data on consistency of production and quality at least 3 producers (the structure and its
basic dimensions)
Measure biogas production and methane losses of at least 6 digesters, (2 sizes).
Measure dilution ratio of at least 6 plants
Collect information on environmental damaged by pre-fabricated fiber-glass material

4 Conditions
4.1 Consultancy team composition and profile
The assignment by a team leader can warrant the quality and objectiveness of the survey. The brief
profile:

The Consultant should be a Vietnamese national and have strong experience in surveying
households and/or technology in Vietnam.
The Consultant should have a good insight into the rules, regulations and laws involved in
surveying in rural areas.
The Consultant will be solely responsible for the timely delivery of a detailed work plan and the
quality of the final report.
The Consultant will possess prior experience in surveying, with preference given to those with
experience in the provision of advice within the renewable energy sector and particularly
biogas.

The consultant team will work with BPD programme staff to develop a detailed plan and consolidate
methods/tools for study.

4.2 Reporting, debriefing, and sharing:

- Reports are to be submitted in English and should include case studies and photos, use neutral and
simple language, be based on evidence and experience with clear and transparent references.
- Draft reports are expected to be submitted to BPD for comments a week before formal submission
date.
- Consultants will lead a debriefing workshop to present key findings to BPD.

4.3 Timing
The process is expected to take a maximum of 2 months. The final report is due at the end of the
contract period. The Consultant should start the activities as soon as possible

4.4 Estimated budget and contract

Estimated budget: EUR 4,000 5,000

Proposals should be submitted by 17pm, 25th of August 2011 to:

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Technical Department BPD
R. 104, 2G Bldg.,
Van Phuc Diplomatic Compound,
298 Kim Ma Str.,
Ba Dinh Dist., Ha Noi

In case of questions:
Tel: (84. 4) 3726.1771

Proposal should include:

A Technical proposal that includes a brief statement (no more than 2-3 pages) explaining the
general approach, methodology, the proposed research tools (questionnaires, database, reports,
etc.) and its methodology (focus groups, interviews, participatory rapid appraisal, etc.)
Proposed team formulation, role assignment, timeline and consultant fee (detailed cost break down
is prefered)
Up to date CVs, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience (not exceeding one page for one
member).

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