Integrated gasification of sugarcane bagasse for sustainable hydrogen and electricity co-production in Burkina Faso

This study explores the sustainable gasification of sugarcane bagasse in Burkina Faso, using SN-SOSUCO as a case study. SN-SOSUCO, a leading sugar producer, generates approximately 122,552 tons of sugarcane bagasse annually. Currently, bagasse is utilized as fuel in the Rankine Cycle for electricity production, emitting greenhouse gases and airborne ash, which pose significant health risks. This article presents a detailed analysis starting with the theoretical design of a downdraft gasifier operating in an air medium. The potential for sustainable hydrogen and electricity co-production is assessed using modeling and simulation techniques in Aspen Plus software, integrating a thermodynamic equilibrium model of the downdraft gasifier with an open-cycle gas turbine. Additionally, the entire process undergoes a life cycle assessment using OpenLCA software. The results demonstrate that the gasification process, when combined with an open-cycle gas turbine and membrane, outperforms the Rankine Cycle in terms of hydrogen production and electricity generation efficiency. The Life Cycle Impact Assessment indicates a lower Global Warming Potential of 1.86 kg CO2 eq/MWh for the simulated model, compared to 2.09 kg CO2 eq/MWh for SN-SOSUCO's current cogeneration plant. However, further research is needed to minimize the environmental impacts of both technologies.