Life cycle analysis on energy generation via anaerobic digestion of chicken manure

Abstract

Abstract. Fossil fuels are the primary reservoir of Malaysia’s energy supply hence, the government and major stakeholders are looking into renewable means for energy generation. Chicken manure on the other hand is an abundant biomass waste as chicken is the second most staple food item in the country after rice. Thus, green energy generation via anaerobic digestion of chicken manure is an option. The motivation behind this research is to dismiss claims that green energy generation is more detrimental to the environment compared to the conventional fossil fuel driven approach. A Life Cycle Analysis comprising of Life Cycle Inventory and Life Cycle Impact Assessment was conducted using Microsoft Excel to evaluate the environmental constraints of energy generation via anaerobic digestion specifically in the global warming, eutrophication, and acidification potential impact categories. The findings revealed that the global warming potential is up to 832248.183 kg CO2 equivalents (eq), outweighing the concern of the other two impact categories. This is because carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas emitted during the process primarily due to poor management of chicken manure at the broiler house. Thus, recommendations were put forth in terms of introducing other practices parallel to anaerobic digestion such as composting and gasification which also yield value added products.