Life Cycle Assessment of Anaerobic Digestion: A Review of Findings and Opportunities for Anaerobic Digestion Development in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Environmental life cycle impact assessment (E-LCA) has been widely used to quantify the accompanying environmental impact potentials of municipal solid waste (MSW) management and treatment processes. This study reviewed findings of from various E-LCA of anaerobic digestion of biodegradable MSW fractions. Study findings have shown potential of the AD of biomass in contributing to the universal assess of electricity and limiting the emission of GHG responsible for global warming or climate change. However, majority of E-LCA studies reviewed are from Europe whose biogas production is on the rise. The AD of biodegradable MSW fractions can reduce the environmental impacts across several impact categories with net negative global warming impacts likely due to its renewable energy production capabilities. Governments in Sub Saharan Africa should put in place mechanisms that will address issues regarding to low AD uptake which could potentially contribute to universal access to electricity considering the over 600 million people reported not to have electricity access in SSA. There is also the need to increase the penetration of LCA in Africa to aid the development of AD systems. Issues to do with technical expertise, technical capacity, cost, and incentives for the uptake of AD should be of great consideration amongst policy makers in SSA.