Renewable wood residue sources as potential alternative for fossil fuel dominated electricity mix for regions in Mississippi: A techno-economic analysis

Abstract

Local waste biomass utilization for electricity generation may have significant impact on global warming mitigation. This study investigates the electricity generation capacity of select counties in Mississippi (MS) and determines the fossil fuel offsets that can be achieved through electricity generation from wood biomass residues. Results suggest that selected counties in MS have the potential to completely or partially replace the existing electricity supplier promoting energy independence and security using wood residues as feedstock with an average nominal and real LCOE (Levelized cost of electricity) values of 12.77 cents/kWh and 10.87 cents/kWh, respectively. This can reduce the GHG emissions and their contribution towards global warming from the fossil fuel percentage of electricity mix supplied to the counties. Furthermore, the avoided CO2eq emissions resulted in significant carbon tax savings when imposed on MS. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the electricity output is dependent mainly on the feedstock availability while other factors such as conversion efficiency, and boiler parameters have shown significant impact. Results from parametric analysis showed that the feedstock availability had highest impact on the annual electricity output and price ($/ton) of the feedstock type had high impact on LCOE. This investigation aids in promoting sustainable energy systems development via renewable energy integration in the electricity mix of Mississippi, US.