Decision-making in biogas production projects: Paradigms and prospection

ABSTRACT

The decision to implement a biogas production project involves the evaluation of multiple variables, such as the problem to be solved, the biodigester, business model, investment, and final products. An integrative literature review was conducted, in which 58 articles were obtained and relevant criteria for decision-making in biogas production projects from organic waste were identified. Three stages were considered in the analysis of the biogas production cycle: initial, plant, and final, as well as the economic, environmental, and social aspects that influence the decision. In general, the publications are dispersed over 30 different journals. The methodology used in most studies is empirical, quantitative, and descriptive, with data collected mainly from secondary sources. From the studies, 499 original criteria were identified, which were classified into one of four categories: economic, environmental, social, and technical, which cover a total of 39 sub-criteria. Economic and technical criteria were the most frequent in publications, while environmental and social criteria were less common and less prioritized. This suggests that there is a tendency to prioritize economic and technical dimensions over environmental and social dimensions in the analysis of the articles found. Finally, a preliminary decision-making model based on the findings is proposed.

Implication Statement

The integrative review of the literature on biogas and decision-making presented in this study holds significant implications for policy and practice in the field of sustainable energy production, organic waste management and decision making for public managers. By analyzing 159 articles and developing a comprehensive classification system, we have identified key sub-criteria for decision-making in various stages of the biogas production cycle. The predominance of technical and economic sub-criteria demonstrates the priorities of the current state of biogas projects and, at the same time, the need to promote balance between the technical, economic, social and environmental spheres in decision-making in order to achieve truly sustainable biogas projects. Policymakers can utilize these findings to promote the adoption of more holistic decision-making approaches that consider diverse factors, fostering the development of environmentally-friendly and socially equitable biogas ventures. This research provides valuable insights into aligning biogas production with broader sustainability goals and guides policymakers in formulating evidence-based strategies for the advancement of renewable energy technologies.

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Author Contributions

Writing, formal analysis and investigation: Y. D. M.; conceptualization, methodology, software, validation and review: Y. D. M., A. V. S. F., C. E. A. R. and F. R.; visualization, supervision and project administration: A. V. S. F., C. E. A. R. and F. R. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by Araucaria Foundation.