Liquid-gas biofuel supply chain development as a substitute fuel for transportation, electricity and clean cooking in Guinea

Abstract

This thesis evaluates the feasibility of integrating sustainable alternative bioenergy into Guinea’s energy system to support both short and long-term development goals. The study examined crop residues and municipal solid waste to assess the potential for producing biohydrogen from rice, cassava, millet, and municipal solid waste, as well as bioethanol from sugarcane, pineapple, banana, and maize. This study also included biodiesel production from palm oil fruit and groundnut. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization, covering the period from 2015 to 2023, were used to estimate the theoretical potential from municipal solid waste and crop residues. These estimates helped determine the potential yields of biomethane and electricity, using Buswell’s equation for biogas production, and then evaluating the potential for biohydrogen via Steam Methane Reforming, bioethanol through fermentation, and biodiesel via transesterification. The technical potential for electricity generation from these biofuels was calculated based on their conversion efficiencies. Guinea could potentially generate 7.14 TWh of bioelectricity, supply 10,276,322 GJ of heat to cement and steel factories, provide 42,818 tons of biohydrogen for powering cars and buses, and produce an additional 2,086,282 barrels of bioethanol, 50% of which would be used for transportation and 20% for electricity generation, alongside producing 12,765,905 barrels of biodiesel mainly for transportation and electricity needs. Three scenarios were developed, each focusing on biohydrogen, bioethanol, and biodiesel, to explore production, distribution, feedstock collection, and challenges. This study provides a detailed assessment of the technical potential for bioenergy production from crop residues and municipal solid waste in Guinea. This study has identified challenges and proposed scenarios for establishing a sustainable and efficient biofuel supply chain to improve Guinea’s energy security.