Analysis of the use of biogas from swine as thermal energy in a ceramic industry

Abstract

In a scenario of economic crisis and expectations of an increase in energy demand, it is important to invest in the use of other energy sources in order to resume Brazilian economic growth. This work aimed to evaluate the economic viability of using biogas from swine as a source of thermal energy in the production of red ceramics. The data for this study were collected in the northern region of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, where there are biodigesters implanted in pig farms, where most of the biogas is flared, and a Local Productive Arrangement of ceramic industries that suffer from the high thermal energy consumption of its production process. Four different routes for conducting biogas to the consumer center were analyzed. It was concluded that three routes (I, II and IV-B) are economically viable. Route I, with a supply of 10,000 m³ of biogas per day, presented the best indicators: NPV of R$ 24,961,610.18, IRR of 12%, payback of 8 years and 1 month and discounted payback of 8 years and 11 months. It is proposed to implement the project in steps. First, build Route I and, then, encourage the construction of other pipelines to implement Route IV-B, whose supply of biogas is 50,000 m³ per day. Afterwards, it is interesting to develop new routes, with the installation of more biodigesters, in order to expand the project to the interior and replace the virtual biogas-pipeline with ducts. Given the high initial investment and the environmental, economic and social benefits for the region, a partnership between government, rural producers and/or private companies is recommended to finance the project.