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

• Published in: Sustainability 2024-12, Vol.16 (23), p.10238
• Main Authors: Roa, Iván D, Henriquez, Jorge R, Dutra, Emmanuel D, Menezes, Rômulo S. C, Andrade, Monaliza M. M, Santos Junior, Edvaldo P, Rocha, Luiz Célio S, Rotella Junior, Paulo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air pollution; Alternative energy sources; Biogas; Biomass energy; Case studies; Combustion; Economic analysis; Economic aspects; Electric generators; Electricity generation; Energy consumption; Energy efficiency; Energy industry; Energy management systems; Environmental management; Feasibility; Financial analysis; Food waste; Green technology; Greenhouse gases; Landfill; Nuclear energy; Refuse and refuse disposal; Sensitivity analysis; Sustainable development; Turbines; Waste management
• ISSN: 2071-1050; 2071-1050
• DOI: 10.3390/su162310238

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 m3/day from 1 ton/day of food waste was estimated using an anaerobic reactor of 126 m3. 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 m3/h and fuel efficiency of 30%. The system could generate 390 kWh/day of electrical energy using a microturbine, with a consumption of 78 m3/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.