Economic Feasibility of Biogas Microgeneration from Food Waste: Potential for Sustainable Energy in Northeastern Brazil

Iván D. Roa, Jorge R. Henriquez, Emmanuel D. Dutra, Rômulo S. C. Menezes, Monaliza M. M. Andrade, Edvaldo P. Santos Junior, Luiz Célio S. Rocha and Paulo Rotella Junior ()
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Iván D. Roa: Research Group on Biomass Energy, Department of Nuclear Energy, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
Jorge R. Henriquez: Research Group on Thermochemical Conversion, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
Emmanuel D. Dutra: Research Group on Biomass Energy, Department of Nuclear Energy, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
Rômulo S. C. Menezes: Research Group on Biomass Energy, Department of Nuclear Energy, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
Monaliza M. M. Andrade: Research Group on Biomass Energy, Department of Nuclear Energy, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
Edvaldo P. Santos Junior: Research Group on Thermochemical Conversion, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
Luiz Célio S. Rocha: Management Department, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, North of Minas Gerais, Almenara 39900-000, MG, Brazil
Paulo Rotella Junior: Department of Production Engineering, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-17

Abstract: This study evaluates three scenarios’ technical and economic viability for implementing a microgeneration power plant using biogas derived from the anaerobic digestion of food waste. The case study focuses on the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) campus in Recife, northeastern (NE) Brazil, targeting the organic fraction of solid waste from food units (restaurants, canteens, and kiosks). The analysis was based on field data, the chemical composition of the waste, and the electric energy consumption. Biogas production of 166 m 3 /day from 1 ton/day of food waste was estimated using an anaerobic reactor of 126 m 3 . This amount of biogas could generate about 360 kWh/day of electricity if the plant operates at peak hours using a generator set with an alternative internal combustion engine of 120 kW, with a consumption of 66 m 3 /h and fuel efficiency of 30%. The system could generate 390 kWh/day of electrical energy using a microturbine, with a consumption of 78 m 3 /h and 30% efficiency. The scenario utilizing a tubular reactor and an internal combustion engine demonstrated the best economic viability. While this study focuses on financial aspects, the findings suggest significant potential contributions to sustainability, including reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and advancing renewable energy solutions. This model can be adapted for small NE Brazil municipalities, offering economic and environmental benefits.

Keywords: biogas microgeneration; economic feasibility; anaerobic digestion; internal combustion engine; sustainable cities; food waste management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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