%0 Journal Article
%T Valorization of Agricultural Residues for Hydrogen-Based Electricity Generation towards Circular Bioeconomy
%A Patience Afi Seglah
%A Komikouma Apelike Wobuibe Neglo
%J Open Journal of Energy Efficiency
%P 57-78
%@ 2169-2645
%D 2024
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/ojee.2024.132004
%X Global crises, notably climate shocks, degraded ecosystems, and growing energy demand, enforce sustainable production and consumption pathways. A circular bioeconomy offers the opportunities to actualize resource and eco-efficiency enhancement, valorization of waste streams, reduction of fossil energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Albeit biomass resources are a potential feedstock for bio-hydrogen (bio-H<sub>2</sub>) production, Ghana&#8217;s agricultural residues are not fully utilized. This paper examines the economic and environmental impact of bio-H<sub>2</sub> electricity generation using agricultural residues in Ghana. The bio-H<sub>2</sub> potential was determined based on biogas steam reforming (BSR). The research highlights that BSR could generate 2617 kt of bio-H<sub>2</sub>, corresponding to 2.78% of the global hydrogen demand. Yam and maize residues contribute 50.47% of the bio-H<sub>2</sub> produced, while millet residues have the most negligible share. A tonne of residues could produce 16.59 kg of bio-H<sub>2</sub> and 29.83 kWh of electricity. A total of 4,705.89 GWh of electricity produced could replace the consumption of 21.92% of Ghana&#8217;s electricity. The economic viability reveals that electricity cost is $0.174/kWh and has a positive net present value of $2135550609.45 with a benefit-to-cost ratio of 1.26. The fossil diesel displaced is 1421.09 ML, and 3862.55 kt CO<sub>2</sub>eq of carbon emissions decreased corresponding to an annual reduction potential of 386.26 kt CO<sub>2</sub>eq. This accounts for reducing 10.26% of Ghana&#8217;s GHG emissions. The study demonstrates that hydrogen-based electricity production as an energy transition is a strategic innovation pillar to advance the circular bioeconomy and achieve sustainable development goals.
%K Agricultural Residues
%K Biogas Steam Reforming
%K Bio-Hydrogen
%K Electricity
%K Circular Bioeconomy
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=134011