Assessing the Theoretical Biohydrogen Potential from Agricultural Residues Using Togo as an Example

Zdeněk Jegla (), Silvio Bonaita, Komi Apélété Amou and Marcus Reppich
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Zdeněk Jegla: Institute of Process Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Technická 2, 616 69 Brno, Czech Republic
Silvio Bonaita: Faculty of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg, An der Hochschule 1, 86161 Augsburg, Germany
Komi Apélété Amou: Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, University of Lomé, Lomé 02 BP 1515, Togo
Marcus Reppich: Institute of Process Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Technická 2, 616 69 Brno, Czech Republic

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 17, 1-27

Abstract: Hydrogen is key to achieving a net-zero carbon future, yet current production remains predominantly fossil-based. Biohydrogen derived from agricultural residues represents a sustainable alternative aligned with circular economy principles. While several studies have assessed the bioenergy potential from agricultural residues in various African countries, their potential in Togo remains largely unexplored. This study employed an exploratory mixed-methods approach to quantify residue availability, evaluate production pathways, and estimate potential biohydrogen yields. Secondary data on crop production from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and theoretical conversion factors were used to assess the availability of agricultural residues from the eight major crops in Togo, resulting in a residue potential of 7.95 million tons per year. Considering ecological and competing aspects of residue utilization, a sustainable share of 3.1 to 6.6 million tons was estimated to be available for biohydrogen production, depending on the residue recoverability assumptions. A multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) was used to evaluate different biohydrogen production processes, identifying dark fermentation as the most suitable due to its low energy requirements and decentralized applicability. The theoretical biohydrogen potential was estimated at 20,991–42,293 tons per year (2.5–5.1 PJ per year) based on biochemical residue composition data and stoichiometric calculations. This study established a baseline assessment of biohydrogen potential from agricultural residues in Togo, offering a methodological framework for assessing biohydrogen potential in other regions. The results also underscore the need for site-specific data to reduce uncertainty and support evidence-based energy planning.

Keywords: biohydrogen production; dark fermentation; agricultural residues; Togo (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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