Potential of biomethane-based energy production from livestock waste biomass resources in Ethiopia

Abstract

Understanding the potential of biomass sources and their types, quality, and regional distribution is crucial for modern energy production. This study evaluates the biomethane energy potential of livestock waste from six different categories of livestock across all Ethiopian regions using livestock statistics (2020–21), standard procedures, publicly accessible data, and literature. To evaluate the bioenergy potentials, the amount of dry matter per head, collection efficiency, biogas yields of respective livestock waste, and the calorific value of biogas and biomethane were used. The total biomethane and corresponding bioenergy potential of livestock residues in Ethiopia are estimated to be 3,321 hm3 y-1 and 118,906 TJ y-1, respectively. The biomethane combustion in a combined heat and power system is expected to produce roughly 11.4 TWh y-1 of electricity and 13.9 TWh y-1 of thermal energy. The estimated electrical energy could supply 11%, 31%, and 81% of Ethiopia’s total primary energy consumption, production, and total electricity generated in Ethiopia in 2019, respectively. The finding demonstrates that biomethane-based energy production via anaerobic digestion based on livestock waste has the potential to meet a significant portion of Ethiopia’s current energy needs.

Current Status and Future Prospects of Small-Scale Household Biodigesters in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…Additionally, the technique has problems with SSA, including incomplete bioconversion, low methane outputs, unstable processes, and economic unviability. Clemens et al [17], Mwirigi et al [91], Bansal et al [32], and Tolessa et al [94,95] recommended that implementation should depend on the program strategy.…”

Assessing the Potential of Teff Husk for Biochar Production through Slow Pyrolysis: Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature on Biochar Yield

“…However, as the temperature reached 450 • C, a substantial increase in both the number and size of pores was observed on the surface of solid biochar, as shown in Figure 9. The significant development of micro-sized pores at a temperature of 450 • C resulted in a notable expansion of the biochar samples' surface area [67,68]. These findings were attributed to the rapid release of volatile compounds during pyrolysis at higher temperatures.…”

Multiple-criteria decision analysis techniques for anaerobic digester technology assessment

“…Small-scale anaerobic digester (AD) technologies are considered as sustainable and clean technologies that can benefit households in rural areas to satisfy their basic energy demands and enhance living conditions [ 1 ]. The use of biomass to energy conversion technologies is one of the most promising sustainable energy choices for integrating small-scale energy production plants for clean energy generation in rural areas using off-grid technology [ [2] , [3] , [4] , [5] ]. Biogas produced via AD can provide renewable energy, while the organic fertilizer produced from AD can also help to alleviate rural poverty by enhancing agricultural productivity and maintaining better health [ 6 ].…”

“…Using clean technology can also help alleviate environmental stress by lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water and soil pollution, and deforestation [ [7] , [8] , [9] , [10] ]. Furthermore, this technology represents one of the few small-scale technologies that could enhance the technical feasibility of decentralized development in low to middle-income countries (LMICs) [ 4 ]. However, the use and adoption of AD in smallholder farming systems, where it was expected to have an impact, are very low in Africa [ [11] , [12] , [13] ].…”