Biomass and MSW to Energy Technology Options for Distributed Electricity Generation in Canada

Distributed electricity generation (DG) has received increased attention from researchers and experts in recent times. The economic and environmental benefits and advancement of small-scale power generation technologies are the main arguments for DG. Agricultural wastes (BM) and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) are viewed as major options for DG. Both BM and MSW are carbon neutral or negative sources, hence they provide an ideal contributing solution towards achieving Canada’s carbon zero goals. This study focuses on 2 different energy sources, BM and MSW. In the analysis, three primary conversion technologies are considered, Stoker Incineration (SI), Integrated Gasification (IG), and Anaerobic Digestion (AD). Four technologies to produce electricity are considered: Steam Turbine (ST), Combined Cycle (CC), Gas Turbine (GT), and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). Based on the fuel source, primary conversion, and secondary conversion, eight combinations are analyzed. The energy potential is calculated for all 1009 population centers, separately. A techno-economic analysis is conducted to determine the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) for all technology options for different generation capacities. The results reveal, depending on the population center, the power generation potential varies significantly. The LCOE of DG with BM is in the range of about 15–30 ¢/kWh in all locations. The LCOE reduces with higher capacity indicating the economy of scale. IG + ICE options have the lowest LCOE compared to other thermal options. In the cases of DG with MSW, AD + ICE options have the lower LCOE. The LCOE of DG with MSW is generally higher than current retail prices.