Power generation from food waste bio-compressed natural gas: Economic feasibility

Wasted food accounts for around a quarter of the world's food supply. About 40–60 % of China's municipal solid waste is food waste. The increased global and domestic food waste has economic, social, and environmental consequences requiring adequate attention. Biogas from food waste could be upgraded into bio-CNG (bio-compressed natural gas). The bio-CNG has high methane content, which makes it a potential electricity generation resource. A comprehensive understanding of the economic viability of waste-to-energy initiatives is critical for policymakers and prospective investors. This study investigates the electricity generation potential of bio-CNG from food waste in Jiangsu Province, China. The economic viability of bio-CNG to electricity projects is also assessed. The major findings show that the total amount of food waste (109.1 Mt) generated from 2004 to 2020 could produce 162.3 Mm³ bio-CNG. The volume of bio-CNG yield has 1265.7 GWh power generation potential. On average, the electricity generation potential could contribute 1.7 % to the annual electricity consumption in the province. According to the financial analysis, the project is viable and lucrative in the province. The sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the impact of changes in certain critical factors on the project's performance. This study provides scientific strategies for optimal investment in bio-CNG to electricity projects.