Exploring the Potential of Integrating Bio-Hydrogen Generation into Hybrid Waste-To-Energy (W2E) Plant in Ghana

Hydrogen (H2) as an energy carrier to produce electricity has gained interest globally as a consequence of its ability to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to conventional power generation and improving renewable energy consumption. This study focusses on assessing the potential of a hybrid waste to energy plant for the production of electricity, and other environmental benefits as well as economic impacts in Ghana. The H2 generation via a biogas steam methane reforming (SMR) process, energy generation capacity, and environmental and economic assessments were determined through a computational analysis. It was found that the total amount of waste generation in the study area is 649.7 kt/y and 253.3 kt/y as the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) with 72% of the waste originating from urban communities. Potential electricity generation of biogas from OFMSW is estimated at 588 GWh/y with Kumasi metropolitan assembly (KMA) contributing 36.8% of the total electricity generation. A total of 40,000 GWh/y of electricity could be available from H2 yield from biogas. The energy generated has the capacity to offset 1.90 million liters (ML) of diesel and could reduce GHG emission by 14,601 kt CO2e. This scientific assessment could provide the basis for policymakers to consider the potential of H2 generation from waste in achieving renewable energy penetration mix and towards a sustainable future.