Forward7 and ATEC to Deliver High-Quality Biodigester Systems to Smallholder Farmers

The Forward7 Initiative, part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Clean Fuel Solutions for Cooking program, has partnered with ATEC, a global leader in biodigester technology, to provide affordable plug-and-play biodigester systems to smallholder farmers in Bangladesh. With over 65% of households lacking access to clean cooking solutions, this impactful collaboration aims to enhance energy access while contributing to the fight against indoor air pollution, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions—ultimately improving health, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.

Supported by the Middle East Green Initiative, Forward7 seeks to transform rural communities by offering clean cooking solutions that enhance health, empower women, uplift marginalized groups, and reduce CO2 emissions associated with traditional cooking methods, such as wood and coal. The project aims to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and develop vital infrastructure in rural areas. By fostering international cooperation, Forward7 is dedicated to preventing and mitigating the effects of climate change and supporting a sustainable future for all. Their commitment to providing clean cooking solutions to 750 million people aligns with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, which emphasizes universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.

In Bangladesh, more than 4 million smallholder farmers face challenges in managing cow manure, which is often discarded into open lands and ponds, leading to severe air pollution. The installation of ATEC biodigesters brings two significant benefits: effective manure management by converting it into clean biogas and generating organic fertilizer as a by-product for agricultural use. Currently, only 1.8% of the biodigester market potential is tapped, highlighting the need for this project to address the high non-functionality rate of existing biogas systems and improve energy access for farmers.

This initiative will deploy 1.8 cubic meter ATEC biodigester systems in 600 households nationwide by end of December 2025, ensuring a reliable supply of biogas for daily cooking needs and producing over 100 liters of bioslurry to enhance crop growth. Designed to withstand flooding and high groundwater conditions, these biodigesters are accessible in challenging environments. With a robust, durable design, these systems can be installed in just 3 hours, thanks to their easy Plug & Play installation process.

By promoting the environmental and economic advantages of biodigesters, this project aims to reshape perceptions and foster adoption among smallholder farmers. In collaboration with Forward7, resources are strategically allocated to critical activities such as farmer outreach, biodigester installation, and maintenance training, leveraging ATEC's 8 years of global expertise to ensure effective implementation.

To maintain accountability and monitor progress, the project utilizes advanced CRM tools like HubSpot for real-time tracking of objectives and outcomes. Regular audit visits will assess project effectiveness, ensuring the initiative stays aligned with its goals and effectively addresses the unique challenges present in the Bangladeshi market.