Unlocking landfill biogas potential: a feasibility study on sustainable energy in the UAE

Abstract Landfill biogas (LFB) projects present a promising solution for sustainable energy generation, yet their feasibility in arid climates remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the feasibility of generating biogas from landfill waste in the UAE, focusing on energy generation potential, economic viability, and environmental benefits. The study evaluates landfill biogas production using internal combustion engine and gas turbine technologies across three scenarios with varying methane content (40%, 50%, and 60% by volume). The results indicate that internal combustion engine technology demonstrates greater economic feasibility compared to the gas turbine technology, yielding a net present value of up to $83 million. Additionally, implementing landfill biogas to energy projects has the potential to power between 68,412 and 136,824 households while cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 66% compared to existing waste management practices. However, the relatively high levelized cost of energy underscores the need for policy interventions and financial incentives to enhance project viability. By addressing this critical knowledge gap, the study provides a replicable framework for optimizing waste-to-energy (WTE) systems in arid environments and contributes actionable insights to global renewable energy efforts.