Feasibility of a system for generating energy from plant waste

Abstract

The rural parish of Ayacucho, located in the province of Manabí, is characterized by significant agricultural activity and the constant generation of plant waste from crops, pruning, and agro-industrial byproducts. In many cases, this waste is wasted or mismanaged, generating environmental and health impacts. Given the need to diversify the local energy matrix and promote sustainable development, the energy use of plant biomass presents itself as a viable alternative to strengthen access to renewable energy in rural areas. The objective was to analyze the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of implementing an energy generation system using corn cobs in the Ayacucho parish, considering the local availability of biomass, the most appropriate energy conversion technologies, and their potential contribution to the community's energy, environmental, and socioeconomic development. The study concluded that there is significant potential in plant waste to sustain a small- to medium-scale energy generation system. This includes energy production for community self-consumption, reduced dependence on conventional sources, improved agricultural waste management, and decreased pollutant emissions. Additionally, the project could generate social benefits such as local job creation, strengthened technical capacities within the community, and the promotion of a circular economy model adapted to the rural conditions of Manabí