Technical, economic and environmental assessment of household biogas digesters for rural communities

This study was carried out in response to the growing interest on household biogas digesters in Latin America, particularly in rural Andean communities. The aim was to compare the fixed dome and plastic tubular digester in terms of biogas production, cost and environmental impact, using the life cycle assessment methodology. Design and operational parameters, construction materials and implementation costs were based on our previous research and literature results for plastic tubular and fixed dome digesters, respectively. According to this analysis, the main advantage of the plastic tubular digester was its ease of implementation and handling, and lower investment cost compared to the fixed dome digester, which appeared to be more environmentally friendly. •Household biogas digesters performance, cost and environmental impact were compared.•The plastic tubular digester was easier to implement and had lower investment cost.•Plastic materials accounted for the highest cost and environmental impact.•The fixed dome digester required specialised manpower and seemed more environmentally friendly.•Concrete and bricks accounted for the highest cost and environmental impact.