Decision-making in biogas production projects: Paradigms and prospection

ABSTRACT

The decision to implement a biogas production project involves the evaluation of multiple variables, such as the problem to be solved, the biodigester, business model, investment, and final products. An integrative literature review was conducted, in which 58 papers were obtained and relevant criteria for decision-making in biogas production projects from organic waste were identified. Three stages were considered in the analysis of the biogas production cycle: initial, plant, and final, as well as the economic, environmental, and social aspects that influence the decision. In general, the publications are dispersed over 30 different journals. The methodology used in most studies is empirical, quantitative, and descriptive, with data collected mainly from secondary sources. From the studies, 499 original criteria were identified, which were classified into one of four categories: economic, environmental, social, and technical, which cover a total of 39 sub-criteria. Economic and technical criteria were the most frequent in publications, while environmental and social criteria were less common and less prioritized. This suggests that there is a tendency to prioritize economic and technical dimensions over environmental and social dimensions in the analysis of the papers found. Finally, a preliminary decision-making model based on the findings is proposed.

Implications: The integrative review of the literature on biogas and decision-making presented in this study holds significant implications for policy and practice in the field of sustainable energy production, organic waste management and decision making for public managers. By analyzing 159 papers and developing a comprehensive classification system, we have identified key sub-criteria for decision-making in various stages of the biogas production cycle. The predominance of technical and economic sub-criteria demonstrates the priorities of the current state of biogas projects and, at the same time, the need to promote balance between the technical, economic, social and environmental spheres in decision-making in order to achieve truly sustainable biogas projects. Policymakers can utilize these findings to promote the adoption of more holistic decision-making approaches that consider diverse factors, fostering the development of environmentally-friendly and socially equitable biogas ventures. This research provides valuable insights into aligning biogas production with broader sustainability goals and guides policymakers in formulating evidence-based strategies for the advancement of renewable energy technologies.

Author contributions

Writing, formal analysis and investigation: Y.D.M.; conceptualization, methodology, software, validation and review: Y.D.M., A.V.S.F., C.E.A.R. and F.R.; visualization, supervision and project administration: A.V.S. F., C.E.A.R. and F.R. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by Araucaria Foundation.

Notes on contributors

Daniela M. Yamaji

Daniela Mayumi Yamaji has a Master in Administration from the State University of Londrina (UEL), with a Specialization in Public Management from UEPG (State University of Ponta Grossa), Specialization in Statistics with an Emphasis in Quantitative Research from UEL, and a degree in Administration also from UEL. Daniela is a member of NIGEP (Interdisciplinary Center for Public Management) since 2017. NIGEP works on different fronts to improve and modernize public management. She is also involved in research on Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDA) for biogas projects, aiming to produce clean and renewable energy.

Saulo F. Amâncio-Vieira

Saulo Fabiano Amâncio-Vieira has a Bachelor’s in Administration from Universidade Estadual de Londrina (2002) and master’s in Administration at Maringá State University (2005). Saulo has experience in Administration, focusing on Planning in Science and Technology, acting on the following subjects: entrepreneurship, legitimacy, neo-institutional theory, isomorphism, and project management.

Reginaldo Fidelis

Reginaldo Fidelis has a degree in Mathematics from the State University of Londrina (2001) and a Master’s degree in Science Teaching and Mathematics Education from the State University of Londrina (2005). Reginaldo has a PhD in Production Engineering from the Federal Technological University of Paraná (2017). He is currently a full professor at the Federal Technological University of Paraná and a permanent Professor of the Postgraduate Program in Administration at UEL (PPGA-UEL). He has experience in Mathematics, solid waste management with recyclable potential, organizational sustainability, and multi-criteria methods to support Decision Making.

Eduardo A. Do R. Contani

Eduardo Augusto do Rosário Contani has a Doctor and Master in Administration with an emphasis in Finance from the University of São Paulo (2014) and a Specialist in Administration (FGV-EAESP, 2006) and Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from the University of São Paulo (2004). He is currently a Professor of the Master’s Program in Administration at the State University of Londrina (PPGA-UEL) and the Master’s Program in Law, Society, and Technologies at the School of Law at Faculdades Londrina. Eduardo is a Professor at the State University of Londrina (UEL). He is coordinator of the Administration course at the Business School of Faculdades Londrina. He was a Visiting Scholar at Columbia University (USA) between 2011 and 2012.