Economic and Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Livestock Manure Gasification for Fuel Gas Production

This research evaluates the sustainability of gasifying livestock manure to produce fuel gas from an economic and carbon emission perspective. The entire process, including gasification, fuel gas purification, and pipeline installation to transport the produced fuel gas to the demanding industrial complex, is analyzed for realistic feasibility. The study is conducted using an ASPEN PLUS simulation with experimental data. The results of the economic and CO2 life cycle assessments confirm that the fuel gas produced from livestock manure is competitive with natural gas despite having a lower calorific value. When used as a fuel with a high hydrogen content, the fuel gas emits less CO2 per calorific value, making it more environmentally friendly. A scenario analysis is also performed to determine the expected economics, with price competitiveness being influenced by several factors. Although a significant decrease in natural gas prices could reduce the price competitiveness of the proposed process, it can still be supported by government policies. The cash flow analysis also confirms the economic viability of the process.