Abstract

SHANE, Agabu; KAFWEMBE, Young  and  KAFWEMBE, Pride. The viability of biomethane as a future transport fuel for Zambian towns: A case study of Lusaka. J. energy South. Afr. [online]. 2018, vol.29, n.3, pp.86-95. ISSN 2413-3051.  https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2017/v29i3a4893.

The objective of the study was to determine the viability of biomethane as a transport fuel for Zambian urban towns. The study revealed good potential for biomethane production and use as a transport fuel in Zambian towns, using Lusaka as a case example. There is 3.67 million m³ biomethane potential from municipal solid waste alone in Lusaka. About 3 000 tonnes of organic fertiliser would replace an equivalent amount of chemical fertiliser. The replaced chemical fertiliser would lead to about 5.816 GgCO₂eqy^-1 as avoided emissions. The study showed a positive net present value at the prevailing market interest rates of 28-40%; the project would become unviable at interest rates higher than that. It was estimated that the project would recover its initial investment in a maximum of two years. The research findings have closed data and information gaps in Zambia and have potential to contribute to academic research, policymaking, investments, financing and interested parties.

Keywords : biogas; municipal solid waste; environmental; social and economic benefits.

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