Biogas and biohydrogen from peach pomace: Renewable energy potential in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Bioenergy is a sustainable alternative that has gained prominence in recent years, primarily for enabling the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, biomass is the most abundant raw material for bioenergy and biofuel production, with the agro-industrial sector generating large quantities of this resource. The state of Rio Grande do Sul, located in southern Brazil, stands out as the country's largest peach producer, with an estimated production of 128.6 thousand tons per year. The central objective of this study is to provide a bibliometric overview and a technical analysis of the potential for biogas and biohydrogen production from peach industry residues generated in Rio Grande do Sul, considering that this biomass is frequently discarded despite its high energy potential. The estimated potential for biogas production from peach pomace is 1 million m³/year, with a chemical energy potential of 8.63 MWh/year. The total estimated hydrogen production for the state is 247 tons of H₂. Wind and solar energy can be complemented by the generation of bioenergy from agro-industrial residues, enabling a broader energy transition in line with Sustainable Development Goal 2, 7, 12 and 13. Furthermore, bioenergy emerges as a viable solution to reduce social poverty, energy scarcity, the economic risks associated with the use of fossil fuels, and environmental degradation by reducing carbon dioxide emissions.