Estimativa do potencial de geração de biogás e de energia elétricaa partir de resíduos sólidos urbanos na região do Vale do Jaguaribe-CE

Abstract

Changes in consumption habits, accompanied by an increase in population, intensify the generation of solid urban waste. The most of this waste is still destined for inadequate locations, such as dumps, causing socio-environmental damage. Thus, public authorities and society are fundamental to changing this scenario. The decomposition process of organic matter releases biogas, consisting mainly of carbon dioxide and methane, which is characterized as a greenhouse gas. In this context, landfills are one of the most viable options for the final disposal of waste, since, among other benefits, it allows the capture of biogas, which can be used as a fuel for generating electricity. In addition, the final disposal of solid urban waste in landfills can cause contamination of the soil and water resources. In this study, an estimate of the biogas emissions of the municipalities of Vale do Jaguaribe was prepared, according to the methodology proposed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Then, the work showed the potential for generating electricity from this biogas, both in the region and in the municipalities individually, considering two different scenarios. In view of this, the cities of Russas, Limoeiro do Norte and Morada Nova presented the highest generation values. In scenario 1, in which 60% of waste is sent to landfills, the total for all components of the Vale was 4.133 MWh/year in 2025, and 6.275 MWh/year in 2053. For scenario 2, assuming that 100% of the waste will go to landfills, 6.889 MWh/year were estimated in 2025, and 10.458 MWh/year in 2053. Therefore, it is possible to observe that the area has an energy potential that can be destined for different purposes, benefiting the region.