H2 Production Potential by Dark Fermentation of MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) in Sao Vicente Island: Techno-Economic Analysis

Abstract

In 2016, global solid waste reached 2.01 billion tons, with projections indicating a substantial increase in the absence of change. For island communities like Sao Vicente, the scarcity of land and sustainable waste management exacerbates the issue, leading to waste dumping and burning. This project proposes a waste-to-energy approach, utilizing dark fermentation to convert the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste into hydrogen. The project's initial steps involved waste composition analysis to determine the organic waste volume contributing to hydrogen production. Daily hydrogen and byproduct estimates were then calculated. A cost-benefit analysis was conducted, evaluating annual costs, benefits, and project feasibility using indicators like Net Present Value (NPV), Interest Rate of Return (IRR), Benefit Cost Ratio (B/C), and Payback Period (PP), and lastly a break-even analysis. Additionally, carbon dioxide emissions reduction was estimated using a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Estimation Tool. The project processes approximately 2.1 tons of organic waste daily, yielding 201.47 m3 of hydrogen, 368.29 kg of CO2, 795.66 kg of acids, and 188.46 kg of slurry. The annual cost falls within the range of similar projects, around $194,266.62 USD. Revenue is generated through the sale of CO2, slurry, and H2, the last with a levelized cost of $2.64 USD, lower than the market price for biohydrogen production cost. The NPV is positive at $1,381,443.18 USD, IRR at 29%, B/C at 1.5, and PP at 8.19 years, indicating project viability. To break even, 351,773.71 units must be sold within 8 years, including 309,560.87 m3 of hydrogen, 35,177.37 kg of CO2, and 7,035.47 kg of slurry. This approach reduces monthly emissions by 17%, making it environmentally beneficial despite limited hydrogen data availability.