Economic feasibility and environmental impact analysis of landfill gas to energy technology in African urban areas

Abstract

Landfilling is one of the cheapest methods of municipal solid waste disposal worldwide, especially in developing countries. Disposal of municipal solid waste in landfills produce greenhouse gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide, which, if not managed properly, may cause global warming. However, landfill gas could also be a potential source of electricity in areas like Africa, where there is low electricity accessibility. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the economic feasibility and environmental impact of landfill gas to energy project in urban areas of Africa. An economic feasibility analysis was conducted using the net present value and levelized cost of energy methods. Besides, environmental impact analysis was performed using life cycle assessment method. Key findings showed that landfill gas to energy project has positive net present value in all the countries except Sudan, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad, Guinea, Malawi, and Ethiopia. It was also realized that levelized cost of energy for the project in urban areas of Africa in 2012 was from $0.076/kWh to $0.870/kWh. The environmental impact analysis showed that on the average, landfill gas to electricity project could reduce global warming potential by 72.2%. However, it has been observed that electricity generation from landfill gas could increase acid gas emissions by 8.75%–9.00%. This research will guide investment and decision-making on the environmental sustainability of landfill gas to energy projects in Africa.