Feasibility analysis of small-scale biogas plants usage in the Syrian coast through agricultural crop residues and co-digestion of manure

Due to the ever-increasing demand and high energy prices (and lack of access), the search for alternative and local energy sources is essential for developing countries; therefore, this study reveals the economic feasibility of using organic waste for biogas production on the Syrian coast. The data was collected through a questionnaire survey among farmers and field visits to the biogas units in Tartus and Latakia provinces from June 2020 to February 2021. The results showed that the total annual return of the biogas unit that depends on plant residues is higher than the total annual return of the biogas unit that depends on animal waste. The study found that every dollar invested in the biogas production unit from animal waste achieves a net return of 0.89 USD without discount factors. In the biogas production unit using crop residues, it was 2.08 USD. The payback period of the small-scale biogas unit is 2.9 years in the animal waste unit and 1.9 years in the plant residues unit. When costs increase disproportion by 20% and revenue slumps by 20% less than expected, every dollar invested in small-scale biogas plants using animal wastes achieves 0.26 USD as a net return without discount factors. On the other hand, every dollar invested in small-scale biogas plants using plant residues earns 1.06 USD as a net return without discount factors. With discount factors, each dollar invested in a small-scale biogas plant using animal wastes achieves 0.012 USD as a net return. Each dollar invested in small-scale biogas plants using crop residues earns 0.13 USD as a net profit. The study found that biogas units that use crop residues are more profitable and should be considered in programs supporting renewable energy, especially with the government's interest in renewable energies and the widespread availability of crop residues in the Syrian environment.

Automated summary

This study examines the economic feasibility of using organic waste for biogas production in Syria and compares the profitability of units depending on plant residues and animal waste. The research findings indicate that biogas units utilizing crop residues are more profitable and should be considered in renewable energy programs, especially considering the government's interest in renewable energies and the abundance of crop residues in the Syrian environment.