Evaluation of potential feedstocks for sustainable biogas production in Ghana: Quantification, energy generation, and CO₂ abatement

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the potential biogas production from four main sources, in terms of the volume of methane for energy production and the equivalent avoidable carbon dioxide emissions in 2020 through to 2030. It was based on the projection of methane production from common livestock and poultry manure, possible landfills, wastewater treatment plants, and palm oil mill effluent. This paper uses sound and reliable methodology to estimate the biogas potential of these major resources, which could lead to significant achievement in environmental sustainability via biogas generation and carbon dioxide emission reduction. The results showed that a total of 690.7 million m³ and 848.74 7 million m³ of methane could be obtained from all the sources considered in 2020 and in 2030, respectively, which translates to about 1.84 TWh_el and 2.28 TWh_el. It also meant that a total carbon dioxide equivalent emission of 12.36 million tCO₂-eq and 15.82 million tCO₂-eq could be avoided in 2020 and 2030, respectively. The results of this study therefore, show the remarkable contribution that biogas technology can make, as well as serve as an immediate technical information for policies makers, government agencies, and potential investors on the development of biogas technology in Ghana. Significant achievements can be made when comprehensive attempts are made so as to provide sustainable energy by integrating and improving livestock rearing, application of comprehensive solid and liquid waste management system and usage of best practices for managing agro-processing residues, which are integral part of the socio-economic activities in Ghana.

Keywords:

• Biogas potential
• livestock manure
• palm oil mill effluent
• landfills
• wastewater
• carbon dioxide emission reduction

PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT

The identification and use of renewable energy resources is critical when finding long-term solutions to achieve environmental sustainability. However, the extent of the contribution from these resources should be linked to the major socio-economic lifestyle of a particular country. Several technologies are known to successfully convert these resources. However, in many cases, the potentials of some of these identified resources are largely unknown. The biogas potential of four sources were estimated and projected to determine the bioenergy potential in Ghana for 2020 through to 2030. Furthermore, the carbon dioxide emission reduction potential was also determined. With the importance attached to the benefits of using sustainable approaches set by the country to meets its renewable energy and climate change obligations, this paper highlights the importance of focusing on these resources by using best practices to achieve the set goals.

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Source: Author.

Competing interest

The authors declare no competing interest.

Additional information

Funding

The authors did not received funding for the research.

Notes on contributors

Richard Arthur

The authors are focused on research related to environmental sustainability, through renewable energy application, innovative techniques in biomass conversion, and climate protection. The diverse backgrounds of the authors bring the various benefits and related applications in the various fields to bare. The authors' work seeks to emphasize the importance of application of sustainable approaches for environmental sustainability. Specifically, it highlights the impact of the application of proper solid and liquid waste management techniques, biogas production from livestock manure, and agro-processing residues, to sustainably managing the environment. This study particularly looked at the biogas potential, energy generation, and carbon dioxide reduction potential of these sources, with emphasis on the associated contribution to Ghana’s renewable energy target.