The Brazilian market of distributed biogas generation: Overview, technological development and case study

Abstract Biomass is a potential energy source for the diversification of the Brazilian energy matrix. In this context, the biogas produced from the anaerobic digestion of residues is a relevant renewable resource that plays a significant role in the mitigation of environmental problems and the local generation of electric energy. This review presents the scenario of the biogas production and electricity distributed generation within the Brazilian context. Firstly, it presents an overview of the electric energy generation from biogas and the Brazilian plants that compose this electric matrix. Secondly, the main technologies to produce biogas and the possibilities of its use, followed by the comparison of technologies for distributed generation of electric energy from biogas in the Brazilian market. To illustrate the application of biogas technology, this paper presents a case study of a biogas plant operation and its connectivity to the grid, the Colombari Farm. The information presented here aims to enhance and to foment the recovering of biomass residues to produce biogas via anaerobic digestion and its utilization to generate electricity. Although the case study considers a specific plant in Brazil, the information and results presented can be applied to others areas of the country or regions of the world, so contributing to promote the expansion of biogas plants to generate electricity. Finally, a future perspectives section describes the practical implications of the biogas production and electricity generation in rural and urban areas and its contribution to the implementation of Brazilian environmental and social policies. This review also is useful to support the research development of biogas for electricity production.