Cost benefit analysis and carbon footprint of biogas energy through life cycle assessment

Abstract

Biogas is a kind of renewable energy resource and can be burned to produce electricity and heat. If methane is released directly into the air, it would be a very serious source of GHG emissions. Therefore, capturing and recycling methane for power generation would not only significantly reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions, but also reduce the need to purchase electricity.

In addition, with the Net Zero in 2050 initiative and circular economy, more academic and industry research investigate the biogas energy. However, the cost and carbon footprint of biogas energy is varied with the technologies. In this research, the As-Is (biomass waste treatment) and To-Be (biomass waste to energy) model is compared. It shows it is worth to do the investment of bioenergy system for the farm to reduce the GHG emissions if the carbon tax is added. However, the cost of bioenergy facilities will influence the income. A case study is also illustrated to provide the biogas energy production for the government policy.