Cooperation across continents: THI-InES welcomes delegation from the Kenyan biogas sector

In June 2025, the Institute of New Energy Systems (InES) at the Technischen Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) welcomed a delegation of five people from Kenya. As part of the German-Kenyan network project BIOVARYA - Establishment of a biogas network for Bavaria and Kenya, the delegation spent a week visiting various locations in Bavaria. The visit aimed to strengthen the exchange of expertise between science and practice, learn about innovative biogas technologies, and explore new opportunities for cooperation.
The delegation consisted of two representatives from the Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) and three from Kenyan biogas companies: Green Yard Ltd, Flexi Biogas, and GreenLeaf Renewable Energy. The programme was accompanied by scientists and staff from InES, the German project coordinator.

Kick-off at THI – Focus on dialogue and technical discussions
The first day was all about getting to know each other. As well as a tour of the THI campus, the biogas laboratory provided an ideal setting for discussion. There, the researchers presented their current work on biogas technologies, providing insights into ongoing experiments and developments. The Kenyan guests then introduced their companies and their activities in the biogas sector in East Africa. During the discussions, it quickly became clear that despite the different framework conditions, both sides face similar challenges and goals ranging from technological development and training to consulting and the social acceptance of renewable energies.

Practical visits in Bavaria – Inspiration through examples
Over the following days, the programme took the delegation to selected biogas sites in Bavaria. A visit to a family-run farm with its own biogas plant offered valuable insights into the practical applications and economic significance of biogas in rural communities.

Another highlight was the visit to AgriKomp in Merkendorf, an international biogas plant company. During a tour of the factory and a presentation, the guests learned more about modular technologies and the implementation of international projects — a particularly exciting topic for the Kenyan companies.

Strengthening networks – Biogas needs organisation
On the third day, InES welcomed Marc Reinhard from the German Biogas Association (Fachverband Biogas e.V.). In his presentation, he explained the role of industry organisations in the further development of the biogas sector. The presentation was met with great interest by the Kenyan participants. During the subsequent discussion, it emerged that, although Kenya has trade associations, they have not yet achieved the same level of influence. The exchange generated many concrete ideas on how stronger structuring and representation of interests could be achieved in Kenya.

In the afternoon, the group travelled to Reisbach near Landshut to visit Snow Leopard Projects GmbH. This company develops innovative biogas and solar solutions for international markets, and its managing director's extensive experience of the African market proved particularly beneficial during the visit.

Final day – Review and outlook
On the morning of the last day, all participants met for a feedback session. Everyone emphasised the high professional and personal value of the exchange. The week ended with a tour of the BioIN biogas plant near Ingolstadt. This municipal plant, which processes organic and household waste, demonstrated impressively how biogas systems can contribute to the circular economy.
The visit of the delegation was a complete success, both professionally and interpersonally, and will not only strengthen the continuation of the BIOVARYA project, but also the biogas industry in both countries. Further opportunities for contact and information will be available in the future via the project website, which will also link to the com.

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