5.2. Tasks during the pilot phase

The purpose of the pilot phase during which about 20 - 50 plants are built, is to finally define the model of plant and the dissemination concept. The course of this phase is less primarily oriented to technical matters but is more concerned with organisation. The dissemination activities are integrated more and more into the normal routine of the counterpart organisation. In the pilot phase, experience with the demonstration plants is evaluated and the plants are possibly modified. Technical standards, i.e. the range of products for the dissemination structure (size of plant, gas appliances) is defined. Most successful dissemination strategies have been those which by initially concentrating on a limited region created a high advertising effect there and then allowed a rapid development in demand (from point to area). The dissemination concept is examined and implementation is begun, i.e. the tasks of individual parties are coordinated with each other and defined (implementation organisation, private sector, specialised institutes involved). A training structure is set up for masons and technicians with the implementation organisation. A commercialisation concept is compiled and implementation of this is started (advertising concept, price policy, structure and implementation of credit and subsidy models). Here, close cooperation with the political decision-makers, the administration bodies concerned and lobby groups is necessary It is the purpose of such work to secure budgetary and legal security for biogas dissemination.