Towards the realization of sustainable development goals: Benefits of hydrogen from biogas using food waste in China

Food waste is a worldwide issue due to its significant ecological, social, and economic impacts. China's high amount of food waste has resulted in severe environmental implications. Aside from the food waste ecological concerns, China also faces high energy consumption and demand. The Sustainable development Goals (SDGs) task countries worldwide to design environmental, social, and human development policies. Hydrogen gas from biogas derived from food waste is considered a potential source of clean energy production. The present study assesses how the energy and environmental benefits of hydrogen from biogas using food waste in China could contribute to realizing sustainable development goals. The biogas potential of food waste in 31 provinces of China was obtained using Buswell's equation. The amount of hydrogen from biogas was calculated using the steam reforming process's stoichiometric chemical equations with water-gas shift reaction. Mathematical formulation methods were used to determine the electricity production potential, amount of coal consumption saved and avoided greenhouse gas emissions. The key findings show that a total amount of 221.13 x 109kg of hydrogen was generated in China. The hydrogen generated can produce 10,479.72 GWh of electricity. The electricity generated could contribute 0.13% to the estimated energy needs of China. It was found that a total of 616.27 Mt (2.10% of coal used for power generation during the period) of coal consumption could be avoided. The results indicate that a total of 1159.00 M kg of carbon dioxide, 159.00 M kg of methane, and 238.49 thousand kg of nitrous oxide emissions could be avoided. This study could provide scientific guidance for incorporating hydrogen to electricity plans into the national strategy for realizing SDGs related to solid waste management, clean energy, and climate action in China and other Asian countries.

Automated summary

Food waste is a global issue, and China's high amount of food waste has severe environmental implications. This study assesses the energy and environmental benefits of utilizing hydrogen from biogas derived from food waste in China and its potential contribution to achieving sustainable development goals. The findings show that this method can generate significant amounts of hydrogen and electricity, while reducing coal consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.