The initiative is the result of a co-operation agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV).

The Viet Nam Biogas Programme was one of six award winners. It was praised for being a "highly successful partnership which has enabled the distribution of biogas technology across Viet Nam on a massive scale in a way that is both sustainable and has the potential for further expansion.

"By popularising the use of biogas among pig farmers, this programme has tackled Viet Nam's waste problem and has brought tremendous benefits to farming families," the judges said.

The Viet Nam Biogas Programme was launched in 2003 with the aim of turning the country's waste into a sustainable source of energy. In 2006 the programme won the Energy Globe Award for its work on reducing global warming by promoting sustainable energy sources.

The programme has set itself the target of setting up 166,000 biogas systems by the end of 2012. So far, 88,000 projects benefiting more than 440,000 people have become operational.

It is estimated that each biogas project will cut CO2 emissions by two tonnes per year.

"Our 2010 winners are living proof of the significant contribution that local sustainable energy initiatives can make to tackling poverty and the threat of climate change," Ashden Awards founder and chair Sarah Butler-Sloss said.

"We are delighted that we can highlight the work of these pioneering projects in the hope that decision-makers across the globe will be inspired by what can be achieved through the strategic use of simple, yet innovative technologies."

The Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy were founded in 2001 to promote sustainable energy.