FEASIBILITY FOR ENERGY RECOVERY FROM BIOGAS AT LOS CORAZONES LANDFILL, VALLEDUPAR

This study evaluated the feasibility of energy recovery from biogas generated at the Los Corazones landfill in Valledupar to mitigate methane emissions and diversify the regional energy matrix. The LandGEM model was used to estimate methane generation, considering a generation rate (k) of 0.05 year-1 and a generation potential (L0) of 170 m3/Mg of waste, calculated based on population projections and solid waste disposal with a per capita rate of 0.28 tons/person/year. Results indicate that by 2035, the year of maximum potential, 27,095,297 m3 of methane will be generated, equivalent to 2,598,179 MJ/day of chemical energy, 324,798 kWh/day of electrical energy, and 360,887 kWh/day of thermal energy, sufficient to supply more than 62,000 households daily. These values highlight the landfill as a significant renewable source, capable of reducing methane emissions, a gas with a global warming potential 28 times greater than carbon dioxide. Comparisons with international studies confirm that biogas utilization in landfills located in warm and humid climates can reduce methane emissions by up to 60% while generating clean energy. This analysis underscores the importance of implementing capture and utilization technologies in Colombian landfills, promoting environmental and energy sustainability. Finally, it is concluded that the Los Corazones landfill has the potential to become a sustainable management model, integrating greenhouse gas emission reduction with renewable energy generation.