Techno-economic analysis and sustainable advancements in food waste conversion to biogas and hydrogen fuel

The escalating global waste generation, driven by population growth, includes billions of tons of food waste annually, posing significant risks to human health and the environment. This study addresses these challenges by exploring sustainable waste-to-energy solutions, focusing on biogas and hydrogen production from food waste. Anaerobic digestion emerges as a promising technology for converting food waste into valuable resources such as biofuel, bioenergy, and fertilizers, providing an eco-friendly alternative to landfill disposal. Additionally, hydrogen production from food waste offers a pathway to cleaner and renewable energy, though it requires cost-effective and sustainable approaches for widespread adoption. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of state-of-the-art biogas and hydrogen production technologies, supported by a detailed techno-economic evaluation of their potential applications. Key findings include strategies to optimize conversion processes and enhance efficiency. The study concludes by proposing advancements to current technologies, underscoring their role in establishing a sustainable renewable energy framework and contributing to global waste management solutions.