Biomethane and green hydrogen production potential from municipal solid waste in Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract

Biomethane and hydrogen are promising elements in the transition towards sustainable energy, due to their capacity to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. In Ghana, efforts to promote sustainable waste valorization for energy production are underway; however, organic waste conversion into biomethane and hydrogen still needs to be expanded. This study aims to evaluate the potential of producing biomethane and hydrogen from the municipal solid waste in Cape Coast, and their injection into the national gas grid. The upgrading biogas obtained from anaerobic digestion of food/organic wastes was used to generate biomethane. The modified Buswell Equation and data from literature were used to estimate the amount of biomethane and hydrogen. The environmental impact was assessed using the CO₂ equivalent emissions. The findings reveal that Cape Coast generated approximately 6,400 tons of food waste in 2021, with a projection to 11,000 tons by 2050. Biomethane and hydrogen quantities were estimated at 3,700,000 m³ and 784,000 kg in 2021, respectively. Their projection reaches to 6,600,000 m³ and 1,400,000 kg by 2050. Converting waste into biomethane and hydrogen is an eco-friendly method of their management and use for renewable energy in Ghana. Strategies can be integrated into Ghana national energy policies to encourage waste-to-energy projects.