Methodology for assessment of biogas technology usage in the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh using CART model on survey data

Renewable energy, particularly biogas, stands as a pivotal solution amidst global energy challenges, offering sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.Himachal Pradesh, a mountainous region in North India, exemplifies this shift with a growing network of biogas plants to alleviate energy poverty and environmental degradation.However, the operational success of these biogas plants remains precarious, marked by a significant non-functionality rate.The present study examines 180 biogas plants across Hamirpur and Kangra districts, revealing that 74.81% of these plants are non-operational.Key reasons include inadequate cattle populations, lack of interest and constructional issues.Classification and regression tree (CART) model was used to identify the reasons and found that inadequate cattle population, coupled with socio-economic factors like declining interest and migration were primary barriers to sustained biogas plant functionality.These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions, including technological upgrades and policy reforms, to enhance biogas plant sustainability and foster rural energy resilience in hilly terrains.By addressing these challenges, Himachal Pradesh can harness its rich agricultural resources more effectively, thereby advancing towards a greener and more sustainable energy future and informing policymakers on enhancing biogas technology's effectiveness in addressing energy poverty and promoting sustainable practices in rural communities.