Biomass is an important renewable energy source that holds large potential as feedstock for production of different energy carriers in a context of sustainable development, peak oil and climate change. The aim of this thesis was to establish the technical potential of biomass for second generation biofuels production in Ghana; …
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Biomass is an important renewable energy source that holds large potential as feedstock for production of different energy carriers in a context of sustainable development, peak oil and climate change. The aim of this thesis was to establish the technical potential of biomass for second generation biofuels production in Ghana; examine the extent to which the available biomass could contribute to future energy scenarios and analyse ex-ante socio-economic impacts of biomass energy systems using relevant case studies. The thesis found that the technical potential of bioenergy from agricultural residues, livestock manure, municipal solid waste and wood residues was approximately 275 PJ in 2011 alone. By 2030, the potential biomass available could gross over 900 PJ. Generating 4.0% of total electricity from biomass and replacing approximately 20% of transport fuels in 2030 with biofuels could reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions by about 6 million tonnes of CO2eq by 2030, equivalent to about 14% reduction relative to emissions from a business-as-usual scenario. A gradual household switch to biogas for cooking, as well as the increased use of more efficient charcoal carbonisation technologies and improved cookstoves could save 138 PJ of woodfuels by the same 2030. Socio-economic impact studies were conducted for biogas production from staple food systems and agro-industrial systems. In the staple food system, a 300 m3 bio-digester would have a Net Present Value of approximately US$ 22,000, 16 year payback period and an Internal Rate of Return of 11%, assuming a 10% discount rate. The project will create four (4) full time unskilled labour positions during the investment year and three (3) positions during the operational years. Using methane from the bio-digester for cooking will displace approximately 170 t of firewood per year and save the women in the community a total of 3,400 h per year from not fetching firewood. However, only 5% of households are willing to pay the base tariff of US$ 30/month with up to 60% willing to pay less than half the monthly tariff.
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