An optimization approach to increase the human development index through a biogas supply chain in a developing region

Abstract

Currently, some regions have low access to electricity services, which prevents the affected population from having an adequate standard of living. The human development index (HDI) is an indicator that measures the degree of progress in a country according to the quality of life for the population and the access to electricity has been related to the increase in HDI. A mathematical optimization model is proposed to determine the feasibility of generating electric energy from biogas and provide the electric service to disenfranchised communities. In addition, it considers that biogas can be obtained through animal waste such as manure from cattle and pigs from the considered region. The proposed mathematical model considers the maximization of the annual profit considering the installation of biogas generating plants for the use of manure and power generation plants considering two types of systems, distributed or centralized. The case study of La Ciénega region from Mexico is considered to determine the HDI that can be achieved considering the energy produced from biogas. In a first scenario, the results show a considerable benefit for power generation since a profit of 6.9903 × 105 USD/year can be obtained and the energy generated allows increasing the HDI by 0.05–0.06%.