Energy self-sufficiency and greenhouse gas emission reductions in Latin American dairy farms through massive implementation of biogas-based solutions. (1st June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Villarroel-Schneider, J.; Höglund-Isaksson, Lena; Mainali, Brijesh; Martí-Herrero, J.; Cardozo, Evelyn; Malmquist, Anders; Martin, Andrew
• Is Part Of: Energy conversion and management. Volume 261(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06-01
• Subjects: Energy self-sufficiency -- Dairy farms -- Latin America -- Biogas-based solution -- GHG emission reduction -- Waste-to-energy; Direct energy conversion -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Periodicals; Energy transfer -- Periodicals; Énergie -- Conversion directe -- Périodiques; Direct energy conversion; Periodicals; 621.3105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2022.115670
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0196-8904

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Most Latin America's dairy farms lack a clear path for energy and waste management. Resource efficient integrated solutions for energy and waste have been proposed. Biogas potential from dairy farms was analysed to evaluate energy self-sufficiency. Solutions allow energy self-sufficiency on medium and large-sized dairy farms. Solutions allow annual GHG emission reductions of 32.8 to 50 Mton (of CO2 eq.) Abstract: The transition towards sustainable economies with improved resource efficiency is today's challenge for all productive sectors. The dairy sector in Latin America is growing without considering a clear path for sustainable energy and waste management solutions. This study proposes integrated solutions through a waste-to-energy approach. The solutions consider biogas production (via cow manure) as the main energy conversion pathway; technology solutions include biodigesters, power generators, and combined heat and power systems that supply not only the energy services demanded by dairy farms (for cooking gas, electricity, refrigeration and hot water) but also provide organic fertilizers. Biogas' potential was estimated to verify whether it can cover the energy demands of the farms, while the levelized costs of producing biogas and electricity were the indicators for the techno-economic evaluation of the solutions. Greenhouse gas emission reductions were estimated by following IPCC guidelines. Specifically, the proposed solutions lead to energy self-sufficiency in most dairy farms with relevant biogas and electricity costs in the range of 1.7–3.7 and 6–12 USD cents/kWh, respectively. In addition, implementing the proposed solutions in Latin American dairy farms would allow annual greenhouse gas emission reductions of 32.8 Mton CO2 eq. with an additional 17 Mton if widespread use of the supplied organic fertilizers is achieved.