Evaluation of Brazilian potential for generating electricity through animal manure and sewage

• Published in: Biomass & bioenergy 2020-08, Vol.139, p.105654, Article 105654
• Main Authors: Oliveira, Augusto Cesar Laviola de, Milagres, Raquel Santana, Orlando Junior, Wilson de Almeida, Renato, Natalia dos Santos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electricity generation; Renewable sources; Residual biomass; Sustainability
• ISSN: 0961-9534; 1873-2909
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2020.105654

World energy consumption is increasing, due both to industrial use and to increased per capita income of the population. This energy comes mainly from fossil fuel sources. Thus, international public policy agendas have been encouraging the replacement of this non-renewable energy source and diversification of the electrical matrix by including renewable energy. Thus, the aim was to evaluate Brazilian energy potential using animal manure and sewage using governmental platform records for cattle, chickens, sheep, swine, buffalo and horses, their respective average waste production and sewage collection data from Brazilian municipalities. Mathematical models based on multiple linear regressions were prepared and used to obtain electricity generating potential. As a result of the calculations, a potential of 20.582; 13.731; 11.327; 10.296 e 8.793 TWh year−1 were estimated for the Midwest, North, South, Southeast and Northeast regions, respectively. The Midwest region showed greater energy potential due to the strong livestock activity. The potential obtained in this study was compared to other countries and regions. Total annual energy, corresponding to these potentials, was 64.73 TWh and would be able to meet 13.63% of Brazilian consumption in 2018. The energy reuse of waste can contribute to a nation's greater energy security. [Display omitted] •Brazilian energy potential using organic wastes were evaluated.•Models were prepared and used to obtain electricity generating potential.•Total annual estimated energy potential was 64.73 TWh.