Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We utilize biogas to generate electricity.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

We are going to use biogas to make electricity which would then be use to power irrigation agro processing for rural farmers. This electricity is then used to power irrigation systems. By utilizing agricultural waste, Energon Technology addresses waste management issues and provides a sustainable and renewable energy source. This initiative supports rural development, enhances agricultural productivity, and promotes environmental sustainability.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The main problem that Biotricity is addressing revolves around the sustainable and reliable supply of electricity in rural areas of Ghana, particularly for agricultural activities and community development. In many rural regions, access to electricity is limited or unreliable, which hampers agricultural productivity, access to healthcare and education, and overall economic development. Traditional energy sources like fossil fuels are often expensive and contribute to environmental degradation. Biotricity addresses this challenge by converting biomass from agricultural waste into electricity. This approach not only provides a renewable and sustainable energy source but also helps in managing agricultural waste effectively, reducing environmental pollution. By powering irrigation systems and agroprocessing facilities, Biotricity aims to enhance agricultural productivity and food security, support local businesses.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

1. Use available organic waste as a source of energy . 2.Low cost of electricity for food processing. 3. Value addition to farm produce.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Our product is primarily for farmers in rural areas who have little access to electricity.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2022-08-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

4

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Daniel Essel Operations ManagerOperations Manager Anakosmos Hub · Full-timeAnakosmos Hub · Full-time Oct 2021 - Present · 2 yrs 9 mosOct 2021 to Present · 2 yrs 9 mos Bury St. Edmunds, England, United Kingdom · HybridBury St. Edmunds, England, United Kingdom · Hybrid General Administration, Agile Methodologies and +5 skills Rita Danquah

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

https://www.energontech.com

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Job Creation: The project creates employment opportunities in biomass collection, processing, and energy generation. This directly provides income to rural communities. Increased Agricultural Productivity: By providing reliable electricity for irrigation and agroprocessing, farmers can increase their crop yields and productivity. This leads to higher incomes from the sale of surplus produce.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Enhanced Food Production: Biotricity's reliable irrigation systems improve crop yields. Food Security: Stable energy supply ensures consistent agricultural activities. Agroprocessing: Facilitates the preservation and processing of food, reducing post-harvest losses. Diversified Cropping: Enables farmers to grow a variety of crops, improving diet diversity and nutrition.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Improved Healthcare Services: Biotricity powers rural health facilities, enhancing service delivery. Medicine Storage: Ensures proper storage of vaccines and medicines. Clean Water: Powers water pumps, providing clean water and reducing waterborne diseases. Reduced Pollution: Cleaner energy reduces air pollution from traditional biomass fuels.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

3

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Extended Study Hours: Biotricity's electrified schools allow for longer study periods. Digital Learning: Provides access to digital educational resources and technology. Better Learning Conditions: Improves lighting and infrastructure in schools. Adult Education: Supports adult literacy and vocational training programs through night classes.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Employment Opportunities: Biotricity creates jobs for women in the energy and agricultural sectors. Empowerment: Reduces the time women spend on manual labor, allowing for other activities. Education for Girls: Electrified schools encourage higher attendance and retention rates for girls. Health Improvements: Better healthcare services positively impact women’s health and maternity care.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Water Pumps: Biotricity ensures consistent access to clean water for drinking and sanitation. Sanitation Facilities: Powers sanitation infrastructure in schools and health centers. Water Purification: Supports technologies for water purification and waste management. Agricultural Efficiency: Irrigation systems improve water usage efficiency in farming.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Renewable Energy: Biotricity provides a sustainable and renewable energy source. Energy Access: Increases energy access in remote rural areas. Cost-Effective: Reduces energy costs compared to traditional fossil fuels. Energy Security: Enhances energy security and reduces dependence on imported fuels.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Local Employment: Biotricity generates jobs in the biomass energy sector. Support for Small Businesses: Provides reliable energy, boosting productivity and growth of local businesses. Skill Development: Offers training in energy and agricultural technologies. Economic Diversification: Promotes economic activities beyond traditional farming.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Rural Infrastructure: Biotricity develops energy infrastructure in rural areas. Innovation in Biomass Technology: Encourages technological advancements in renewable energy. Support for Agroprocessing: Facilitates the establishment of agroprocessing facilities. Transport and Logistics: Improves transport and logistics for agricultural products.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Rural Development: Biotricity focuses on underdeveloped rural areas, reducing the urban-rural divide. Inclusive Growth: Ensures that economic benefits reach marginalized communities. Social Equity: Promotes equitable access to energy and economic opportunities. Community Empowerment: Empowers local communities to manage and benefit from energy resources.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Sustainable Rural Development: Biotricity supports sustainable practices in rural development. Reduced Urban Migration: Encourages people to stay in rural areas by improving living conditions. Community Resilience: Enhances resilience to environmental and economic shocks. Infrastructure Development: Builds infrastructure that supports sustainable living.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Waste Utilization: Biotricity converts agricultural waste into valuable energy. Resource Efficiency: Promotes efficient use of resources in agriculture and energy production. Sustainable Practices: Encourages sustainable farming and energy practices. Reduction in Waste: Minimizes agricultural and household waste through effective energy use.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Emission Reduction: Biotricity lowers greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels with biomass energy. Climate Mitigation: Contributes to global climate mitigation efforts. Sustainable Energy: Promotes the use of renewable and sustainable energy sources. Environmental Awareness: Raises awareness about the importance of renewable energy for climate action.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Forest Conservation: Biotricity reduces the need for deforestation by providing alternative energy sources. Sustainable Agriculture: Promotes practices that preserve soil health and biodiversity. Habitat Protection: Helps protect habitats by reducing environmental degradation. Waste Management: Converts waste into energy, reducing landfills and soil contamination.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

3

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

4

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

4

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

5

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

5

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

6

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

4

05.08 Justification

Biotricity is innovative in its approach to addressing both energy and agricultural challenges in rural Ghana by leveraging agricultural waste to generate electricity. Traditional energy solutions in these regions often rely on costly and environmentally damaging fossil fuels. Biotricity, however, transforms agricultural waste—often an underutilized resource—into a valuable source of clean, renewable energy. This not only reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions but also provides a sustainable and reliable power supply. The electricity generated powers irrigation systems and agroprocessing units, significantly enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency. By creating a closed-loop system where waste products fuel agricultural advancement, Biotricity exemplifies circular economy principles, promoting resource efficiency and sustainability. Moreover, Biotricity stands out through its community-centric business model, which focuses on local job creation and skill development.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Communities with developed electricity infrastructure could rely mainly on the power distribution company.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Our initiative makes it possible for local female farmers to add value to their agricultural produce. Biotricity promotes the role of female entrepreneurs in the local community through a multi-faceted approach that includes inclusive employment opportunities, training and skill development, support for female-led businesses, community engagement and advocacy, and access to financial resources. Biotricity actively hires women for various roles, providing stable income and valuable skills. This approach breaks down gender barriers and encourages women to participate in the traditionally male-dominated energy and agricultural sectors. Biotricity offers specialized training programs for women, focusing on technical skills related to energy production and agricultural practices.