An estimation of bio-methane and energy project potentials of municipal solid waste using landfill gas emission and cost models

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to analyse municipal solid waste (MSW) disposed of in Jimeta-Yola metropolis for landfill gas (LFG), methane and project viability potential. Design/methodology/approach – The data was collected daily from landfills for four weeks. About 7,329.55 Mg/year of waste was analysed. These waste were separated into bio-degradable components i.e. paper and textile (263.66 Mg), non-food organic (681.45 Mg), wood and straw (189.50 Mg) and food and kitchen waste (1797.20 Mg). Non-degradable components include plastics, polythene bags, metals, sand, stones, cans etc. (4397.73 Mg). The component's characteristics such as a number of samples, weight, volume, landfill age etc. were measured. The waste, methane (CH4) and energy potential were also analysed using LFG energy cost model. Findings – The landfills received 15 Gg/year of MSW and emit 0.31 Gg/year of LFG having CH4 content of 82.95 Mg in 2016. These can produce 33.78 GWh of heat energy equivalent to 10.14 GWh of electricity analytically. Therefore, between 2016 and 2022, about 2.24 Gg CH4 and 5201.32 MWh of electricity were wasted. Henceforth, proper management of these waste substances can produce 186.4 Gg CH4 which will generate 432.52 GWh of electricity. The most economically viable project is an electricity project generating 418 kW/year at a sale price of $1.14/kWh (58.38/kWh) and a payback period of 11 years. Practical implications – Raw LFG collected can be used in heating brick kilns, boilers, furnaces and greenhouses. When treated, the LFG can produce renewable natural gas (RNG), which is used in energy generation and various domestic, vehicle and industrial applications. Social implications – The analytical energy generation can provide gross revenue of ₦19.46bn at an average of ₦192.71million/year. Using Landfill Gas Emissions Model (LandGEM) model, the gross and net revenue will be $0.42m and $0.28m yearly, respectively. The project can provide jobs and economic boost to the immediate community through associated ripple effect. Originality/value – The research is a pre-feasibility study for LFG to gas or electricity projects in Jimeta-Yola. The study contributed to the body of knowledge as a source of literature for further studies locally and globally.

Keywords

• Electrical energy
• Methane
• Landfill gas
• LandGEM model
• Thermal energy