A Novel Methodology for Assessing the Electricity Generation Potential of Biomass Residues: A Case Study in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Fernando Bruno Dovichi Filho (), Electo Eduardo Silva Lora (), Diego Mauricio Yepes Maya, José Carlos Escobar Palacio, Osvaldo Jose Venturini, Laura Vieira Maia de Sousa, Flavio Dias Mayer and Marcelo Risso Errera
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Fernando Bruno Dovichi Filho: Excellence Group in Thermal Power and Distributed Generation, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
Electo Eduardo Silva Lora: Excellence Group in Thermal Power and Distributed Generation, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
Diego Mauricio Yepes Maya: Excellence Group in Thermal Power and Distributed Generation, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
José Carlos Escobar Palacio: Excellence Group in Thermal Power and Distributed Generation, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
Osvaldo Jose Venturini: Excellence Group in Thermal Power and Distributed Generation, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
Laura Vieira Maia de Sousa: Excellence Group in Thermal Power and Distributed Generation, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
Flavio Dias Mayer: Department Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
Marcelo Risso Errera: Department of Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80060-000, Brazil

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-20

Abstract: This study presents a methodology for assessing the technical and economic potential of electricity generation from biomass residues, using thermochemical conversion technologies. Applied in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, the analysis focuses on residues from corn, soybean, coffee, eucalyptus, and sugarcane. A multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, integrated with GIS, was used to identify the most viable biomass sources and most suitable conversion technologies, namely the Rankine cycle, organic Rankine cycle, and gasification with internal combustion engines, based on Technological Readiness Levels (TRLs). Eucalyptus emerged as the most suitable residue due to its high energy density, while sugarcane residues were the most abundant. The economic feasibility analysis indicates levelized costs ranging from USD 0.10 to USD 0.24 per kWh, with the conventional Rankine cycle emerging as the most cost-effective option for plants with a capacity exceeding 5 MWe. The proposed methodology supports strategic bioenergy planning by integrating geospatial, technological, and economic factors.

Keywords: biomass; agricultural residues; bioenergy; MCDM; bioeconomy; GIS; power generation (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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