Estimating biogas production in Moroccan landfills: a comparative analysis of LandGEM and IPCC models

Abstract

This article examines municipal waste management in Morocco, highlighting the increase in population and waste production, as well as the associated environmental challenges. With population and industrial growth, the amount of waste generated exceeds the capacity of traditional landfill methods, leading to environmental risks. Therefore, it focuses on estimating the biogas production and environmental implications of a controlled landfill using the LandGEM and IPCC models. The results show an increasing trend in biogas production over time, with the LandGEM model estimating a total biogas production of 14,940,861 m³ by 2045, compared to the IPCC model’s estimate of 18,067,452 m³, underscoring the need to monitor and manage greenhouse gas emissions. A comparison between the LandGEM and IPCC models reveals differences in biogas production estimates, with higher values for the IPCC model. Despite these differences, both models confirm the increase in biogas production at the landfill. Finally, the paper assesses the potential for electricity generation from biogas and estimates the potential economic benefits, with a progressive increase in the production of electric energy over the years, starting from 0 GWh/year in 2014, peaking at 52.08 GWh/year in 2045. The results suggest a significant potential for generating electrical energy, offering the landfill energy autonomy and the possibility of selling surplus electricity to the Moroccan town council. The study highlights the importance of sustainable waste management and the use of renewable resources to mitigate environmental risks and promote sustainable development in Morocco.

Graphical Abstract