A viabilidade econômico-financeira do uso do biogás para implantação de um condomínio de agroenergia no município de Toledo-PR

Abstract

The production activities in the agricultural sector are major dependent of several energetic forms and is necessary the development and implementation of technological alternatives with views to the self-supply at reduced costs and lower environmental and social impacts. The significant potencial of the use of biomass for energy generation is self-evident, since it provides the racional use of the available resources, reduces the income transfer to other agents and decreases the dependence upon external sources of energy. The exposure of animal waste in the environment generates several negative externalities, such as: water, land and air pollution; eutrophication of waters; GHG emissions; among others. There is a possibility of generating electricity, thermal and vehicular energy through the biogas generation, providing energetic self-supply of the producing unities and the creation of agroenergy condominiums to enhance small farmers. Therefore, the aim of this work is to analyze the economic feasibility of projects implementation for electrical, thermal and vehicular energy generation from animal waste in the watershed area of Lajeado Grande, in the city of Toledo, Paraná, by checking the alternative that provides the largest economic gain. To achieve the objectives proposed in this work, it was carried out field and bibliographical research and 39 questionnaires were applied in each of the properties that work with livestock in Lajeado Grande watershed. The choice of the sample was made based on the "Sustainable Environmental Development Program of Toledo" City Hall, where it was identified a high pollution potential in the study area and it was suggested the establishment of a agroenergy condominium for biogas derived from animal waste with the intent to reverse this situation. The properties' breeding stock of animals was 285 484 heads (pigs, cattle and poultry), with a waste production potential of 85.024,07 m³/year and a biogas production potencial of 1,569,608.39 m³/year . Accordingly, it was analyzed some of the possible uses of the biogas produced in the Lajeado Grande agroenergy condominium (replacing conventional electricity, wood and natural gas - biomethane) and it was concluded that the best arrangement is to apply for vehicular use, based on the characteristics of the community, in the demanders of energy and in economic outcomes, considering also that the capital returned in less time compared to the other scenarios. It is expected that further works may arise from the present study, with the aim to analyze the valuation of biofertilizer; the biogas production by use of poultry manure; the possibility of multiple energy generation; the possibility of inclusion of new (and / or others) consumers of energy generated by the condominium; the social improvements achieved; and, not least, to quantify the environmental benefits gained by the treatment of animal waste from the condominium.