Technoeconomic Assessment of Biogas Production from Organic Waste via Anaerobic Digestion in Subtropical Central Queensland, Australia

H. M. Mahmudul, M. G. Rasul, R. Narayanan, D. Akbar and M. M. Hasan ()
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H. M. Mahmudul: School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4701, Australia
M. G. Rasul: School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4701, Australia
R. Narayanan: School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4701, Australia
D. Akbar: School of Business and Law, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4701, Australia
M. M. Hasan: School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4701, Australia

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 17, 1-16

Abstract: This study evaluates biogas production through the anaerobic digestion of food waste (FW), cow dung (CD), and green waste (GW), with the primary objective of determining the efficacy of co-digesting these organic wastes commonly generated by households and small farms in Central Queensland, Australia. The investigation focuses on both experimental and technoeconomic aspects to support the development of accessible and sustainable energy solutions. A batch anaerobic digestion process was employed using a 1 L jacketed glass digester, simulating small-scale conditions, while technoeconomic feasibility was projected onto a 500 L digester operated without temperature control, reflecting realistic constraints for decentralized rural or residential systems. Three feedstock mixtures (100% FW, 50:50 FW:CD, and 50:25:25 FW:CD:GW) were tested to determine their impact on biogas yield and methane concentration. Experiments were conducted over 14 days, during which biogas production and methane content were monitored. The results showed that FW alone produced the highest biogas volume, but with a low methane concentration of 25%. Co-digestion with CD and GW enhanced methane quality, achieving a methane yield of 48% while stabilizing the digestion process. A technoeconomic analysis was conducted based on the experimental results to estimate the viability of a 500 L biodigester for small-scale use. The evaluation considered costs, benefits, and financial metrics, including Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Dynamic Payback Period (DPP). The biodigester demonstrated strong economic potential, with an NPV of AUD 2834, an IRR of 13.5%, and a payback period of 3.2 years. This study highlights the significance of optimizing feedstock composition and integrating economic assessments with experimental findings to support the adoption of biogas systems as a sustainable energy solution for small-scale, off-grid, or rural applications.

Keywords: microbial digestion efficiency; sustainable waste treatment; greenhouse gas mitigation; methane optimization; organic waste valorization; waste-to-energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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