There is a critical need for research into clean alternative energy sources to address future energy requirements. Renewable natural gas (RNG) can play a key role in sustainably meeting the projected increasing demand for natural gas. This study presents a techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) of the anaerobic co-digestion of slaughterhouse waste (SW), domestic waste (DW), and bovine manure (BM). A kinetic model based on experimental data was developed and integrated into BioSTEAM, providing a robust evaluation of process performance and feasibility. The proposed process achieved higher biogas yields and produced biochar as a valuable co-product, contributing to a reduction in the minimum selling price (MSP) of RNG. The plant is projected to generate approximately 172 GJ⋅year − 1 ˙RNG, with an estimated MSP of 2. 1 kg −1 ˙RNG. The global warming potential (GWP) was calculated at -4. 73 kg˙CO˙2-eq kg RNG − 1, highlighting the environmental benefits of co–digestion and the carbon sequestration potential of biochar. Sensitivity analysis identified residence time and the inoculum-to-substrate ratio (ISR) as the main factors influencing MSP and emissions, respectively. This integrated framework, combining experimental kinetic data, process modeling, TEA, and LCA, demonstrates the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of waste–based RNG production systems, offering insights into circular bioeconomy strategies for sustainable energy and carbon management. • Co-digestion of manure and food wastes improves biogas yield and process economics. • Kinetic model in BioSTEAM supports integrated LCA and TEA of digestion process. • Process yields 172 GJ year −1 of RNG and valuable biochar as co-product. • Achieves net–negative GWP reaching −3. 49 kg CO 2 kg RNG − 1. • Residence time and ISR identified as main sensitivity drivers.
Lorenzo et al. (Fri,) studied this question.